NINDS Stroke Information Page

What is Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain. The symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; or sudden severe headache with no known cause. There are two forms of stroke: ischemic - blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, and hemorrhagic - bleeding into or around the brain.

Is there any treatment?

What is the prognosis?

What research is being done?

• What You Need to Know about Stroke
  Stroke publication education booklet
• Stroke: Hope Through Research
  
  An informational booklet about stroke compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• Stroke Risk Factors and Symptoms
  A short document describing stroke risk factors and symptoms.
• Know Stroke, Know the Signs, Act in Time
  Stroke public education booklet
• Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Fact Sheet
  Post-stroke rehabilitation fact sheet from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
• Stroke Rehabilitation Information
  A fact sheet on stroke rehabilitation.
  
• Stroke: Challenges, Progress, and Promise
  Stroke research update, published February 2009
• Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke
  Information on preventing stroke, including stroke risk factors and warning signs, compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• Questions and Answers About Stroke
  A backgrounder with questions and answers about stroke.
  
• NINDS Transient Ischemic Attack Information Page
  Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• NINDS Multi-Infarct Dementia Information Page
  Multi-infarct dementia information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
  Fact sheet on neurological diagnosis and testing, prepared by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
  
• Stroke Scales and Related Information
  Referral page to the Brain Attack Coalition "Acute Stroke Toolbox" site for the NIH Stroke Scale, stroke admission orders, and other items for clinicians treating acute stroke.
  
• Questions and Answers About Treating Arterial Stenosis and Preventing Stroke
  A backgrounder with questions and answers about arterial stenosis.
  
• Questions and Answers About Carotid Endarterectomy
  A backgrounder with questions and answers about carotid endarterectomy.
  
• Stroke Information for Seniors Added to the NIHSeniorHealth Web Site
  2005 press release on addition of NINDS stroke information to the NIH Senior Health website.
• TROY: A Newly Identified Stop Signal in the Pathway for Nerve Regeneration
  NINDS news article on discovery of a protein that inhibits nerve regeneration and may be a target for treating spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders.
• Ultrasound-aided Therapy Better Than Stroke Drug Alone, Trial Finds
  November 2004 Press Release about results from a study which show using ultrasound in combination with the drug t-PA may improve response to an ischemic stroke
• Brain Imaging May Identify High Risk Stroke Patients
  October 2004 news summary on a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) study using imaging of early changes in the blood-brain barrier to predict a stroke patient's outcome.
• Early Treatment Confirmed as Key to Stroke Recovery
  March 2004 press release on a study which reconfirmed the benefits of rapid treatment for stroke using t-PA
• Preconditioning the brain may protect against stroke
  A December 2003 news article on genetic changes to protect the brain against a second larger stroke, prepared by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• Aspirin as Effective as Ticlopidine in African American Antiplatelet Stroke Prevention Study
  June 2003 press release on results from the African American Antiplatelet Stroke Prevention Study of aspirin and ticlopidine.
• Vaccine Prevents Stroke in Rats
  September 2002 press release on an experimental stroke vaccine developed by researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• Rewiring the Brain: A Natural Chemical Improves Motor Skills After Stroke
  August 2002 news summary on an animal study of a potential treatment for stroke.
• Another Reason to Avoid a Sugar High: Study Links High Blood Sugar to Mortality After Stroke
  August 2002 news summary on hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and stroke.
• Stroke Risk Assessment and Future Stroke Primary Prevention Trial: Workshop Summary
  Stroke Risk Assessment and Future Stroke Primary Prevention Trial: Workshop Summary
• Priorities for Clinical Research in the Treatment of Acute, non-Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Workshop
  Priorities for Clinical Research in the Treatment of Acute, non-Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Workshop
• Improving the Chain of Recovery for Acute Stroke in Your Community: Table of Contents
  Summary of a December 2002 symposium, "Improving the Chain of Recovery for Acute Stroke in Your Community, sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
• Report of the Stroke Progress Review Group for 2002
  April 2002 report from a collaborative effort of scientists, clinicians, industry representatives, and patient advocates charged by NINDS with the task of setting overall priorities for stroke research
• NINDS Stroke Disparities Advisory Panel Meeting
  NINDS Stroke Disparities Advisory Panel Meeting
• 2002 Stroke Testimony
  NINDS opening statement to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, June 6, 2002.
• Workshop on Perinatal and Childhood Stroke
  Report of the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Workshop on Perinatal and Childhood Stroke, held September 18 - 19, 2000.
• Proceedings of a National Symposium on Rapid Identification and Treatment of Acute Stroke
  Proceedings of a National Symposium on Rapid Identification and Treatment of Acute Stroke held December 12-13, 1996, to coordinate nationwide efforts aimed at implementing acute stroke therapy for all types of stroke