Find out how much you know about strokes and what causes them.
1. A stroke is caused by a blood clot or blood vessel that
breaks. This stops blood flow to an area of the brain.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
The blood clot or broken blood vessel causes part of the brain to suddenly not work.
The brain needs oxygen and important nutrients. Without these, the brain cells in
the affected area are harmed or they die within a few minutes. This can cause permanent
damage.
2. All strokes are the same.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
There are 3 main types of strokes: thrombotic, embolic, and hemorrhagic.
Thrombotic stroke. This is caused by fatty deposits called plaques that
have built up in the arteries carrying blood to the brain. These deposits slow the
blood flow until a blood clot completely blocks an artery. This stops the flow of
oxygen and nutrients to a part of the brain.
Embolic stroke. This is caused by a blood clot that forms in another part
of the body. The clot breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream, and blocks an
artery carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When traveling through the
body, the blood clot is called an embolus.
Hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused when an artery breaks and bleeds into
the brain. The broken blood vessel prevents needed oxygen and nutrients from
reaching the brain cells. Because the skull cannot stretch outward, pressure can
build up inside the head from the leaked blood. This leads to more damage to the
brain. One type of hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery that has weakened
over time bulges (aneurysm) and suddenly breaks.
3. One symptom of a stroke is a sudden, unexplained tingling or
numbness on 1 side of the body.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Numbness or tingling
on 1 side of the body is a symptom of a stroke. Another symptom is a sudden severe
headache that happens for no reason. Other symptoms include blurred vision, trouble
talking, stumbling, or sudden clumsiness. Sometimes a mini-stroke (transient ischemic
attack) happens before a stroke. A mini-stroke lasts for only a few minutes.
4. If you have symptoms of a stroke, you should try to get some
rest before calling the healthcare provider.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A stroke is a medical
emergency. You should get medical care right away. Research shows that treatment during
the first hours after symptoms appear can help you recover from it. F.A.S.T. is an
easy
way to remember and identify some common symptoms of a stroke. F - Face: Does 1 side
of
the face droop when trying to smile? A - Arms: Does 1 arm drift downward when raising
both arms? S - Speech: Is there a change in speech or slurred speech? T - Time: If
any
of these signs are present, call 911 right away.
5. There's no way to predict if or when someone will have a
stroke.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
It’s important to know
what makes you more likely to have a stroke. Taking steps to lower your risk is an
important step in preventing a stroke. The conditions leading to a stroke develop
over
many years. Risk factors or conditions that may lead to stroke include high blood
pressure, smoking, heart disease, and diabetes. The risk of stroke goes up with age.
It
is also higher in Blacks and Hispanics than in whites.
6. Two important ways to reduce your risk for stroke are to lower your blood pressure
and to stop smoking.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Have your blood
pressure checked often. If it is high, follow your provider's advice on how to lower
it.
Treating high blood pressure lowers the risk for both stroke and heart disease.
Cigarette smoking makes it more likely that you will have a stroke. But research shows
that the risk for stroke for people who have quit smoking for 2 to 5 years is lower
than
for smokers. It is never too late to quit smoking.
7. Regular exercise is another way to cut your risk for stroke.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Researchers think that
exercise may make your heart stronger and your circulation better. It also helps control
weight. Being overweight makes it more likely for you to have high blood pressure,
atherosclerosis, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Exercise like brisk walking,
cycling, swimming, and yard work lowers the risk for both stroke and heart disease.
Talk
with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.
8. Strokes always leave people permanently disabled.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Some people get better within weeks after a stroke. Other people may need many months
or years to get better. Stroke rehabilitation includes many kinds of therapies:
Physical therapy to make your muscles stronger and balance and coordination better
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy to help your eye-hand coordination and the skills needed for
daily tasks such as bathing and cooking