Strokes

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and require immediate emergency care (call 9-1-1). Key signs include sudden numbness/weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially one side), confusion, trouble speaking or seeing, dizziness, loss of balance, and a severe headache.

The golden rule of a stroke is "Time = Brain," meaning the first 60 minutes (the "Golden Hour") after symptom onset are critical for treatment to minimize long-term brain damage.

Ischemic stroke- a medical emergency caused by a blockage—usually a blood clot or plaque—in an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to oxygen deprivation, brain cell damage, or death.

Hemorrhagic stroke- is a life-threatening, emergency medical condition where a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, causing bleeding within the brain or between the brain and skull.