What Is a Stroke and How Can You Prevent One?

Every two seconds, someone in the world has a stroke. It is the second leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of long-term disability — yet up to 80% of strokes are preventable with the right lifestyle choices and medical management. Understanding the warning signs and your personal risk factors could save your life or the life of someone close to you.

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off — either by a clot blocking an artery (ischaemic stroke, accounting for 87% of cases) or by a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells begin dying within four minutes of losing blood flow, which is why the speed of response is critical.

The FAST acronym remains the most reliable public-health tool for identifying stroke symptoms: Face drooping on one side; Arm weakness when both arms are raised; Speech that is slurred or confused; Time to call emergency services immediately. Other symptoms include sudden severe headache, loss of vision in one eye, and unexplained dizziness.

The most important modifiable risk factors are hypertension (high blood pressure), atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and physical inactivity. At our neurology department, we offer comprehensive stroke-risk assessments that include carotid artery ultrasound, Holter monitoring for AF, and a full metabolic panel. If you have a family history of stroke or TIA (a "mini-stroke"), I strongly recommend a proactive evaluation. Do not wait for symptoms.