Now playing: What is a stroke?
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Recovering from a stroke
After you've had a stroke, it may take time for your body to recover ... Play Video -
How to handle a stroke
You need to take action immediately if you suspect someone around you is having a stroke ... Play Video
What is a stroke?
When someone has a stroke, it's because their brain has suddenly stopped functioning. This happens because the blood flow to the brain is cut off. When the blood flow to your brain is interrupted, it kills the nerve cells in that particular area. How someone recovers from a stroke depends on which part of the brain was affected, and how many brain cells died. Since there are not usually any warning signs, it's important to be aware of your risk factors. You're more at risk for having a stroke if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, if you are overweight, or if you smoke or drink heavily. Talk to your doctor about how you can lower your risk of having a stroke.
Last modified: 2012-03-06
