Understanding Strokes: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights from Corewell Health

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Stroke is the leading cause of disability and among the top five leading causes of death in the U.S., affecting millions of people each year. Understanding what might cause a stroke, stroke symptoms and effective treatment options is essential for improving outcomes and saving lives. 

"While stroke continues to affect millions, the encouraging news is that many cases can be prevented," said Rebbeca Grysiewicz, D.O., a neurologist at Corewell Health. 

"By taking proactive steps—such as managing high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and diet—individuals can significantly lower their stroke risk. 

"Just as important is recognizing the warning signs, including sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, slurred speech or loss of coordination. Raising awareness and acting quickly can make all the difference in recovery and long-term outcomes," she said.

If you or a loved one exhibits signs of a stroke, seeking help immediately is critically important. 

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving essential oxygen and nutrients. This leads to the death of brain cells within minutes. There are two main types of strokes:

1. Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes, occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding. This can be due to conditions such as high blood pressure or aneurysms.

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

Early recognition of stroke symptoms is crucial for prompt treatment and minimizing brain damage. Corewell Health emphasizes the importance of the BE FAST acronym to identify stroke signs:

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination may be experienced.
• E – Eyesight: Vision changes in one or both eyes may occur. 
• F - Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and check for unevenness.
• A - Arm Weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one drifts downward.
• S - Speech Difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• T - Time to Call 911: If any of these symptoms are present, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms may include sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, difficulty walking, dizziness, and severe headache.

Prevention Strategies

Corewell Health neurologists suggest the following measures to reduce your risk of having a stroke:

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium intake.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week to improve cardiovascular health.
• Blood Pressure Management: Monitor and control blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
• Cholesterol Control: Keep cholesterol levels in check with diet and medication as prescribed.
• Diabetes Management: Properly manage diabetes to prevent complications that can increase stroke risk.
• Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to significantly reduce stroke risk.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

Treatment Options

Corewell Health offers advanced treatment options for stroke patients, focusing on rapid intervention and comprehensive care:

• Thrombolytics: For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications can be administered to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow. These are most effective when given within the first few hours of symptom onset.
• Endovascular Procedures: Minimally invasive techniques, such as mechanical thrombectomy, can remove clots from blocked arteries.
• Surgical Interventions: In cases of hemorrhagic stroke, surgery may be necessary to repair ruptured blood vessels or relieve pressure on the brain.
• Rehabilitation: Post-stroke rehabilitation is crucial for recovery, involving physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to regain lost functions and improve quality of life.

Comprehensive Stroke Center

Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital sets the standard for stroke care as Southeast Michigan’s first hospital to earn Comprehensive Stroke Center designation from the Joint Commission. Maintaining this certification since 2014, Corewell Health is dedicated to managing even the most complex stroke cases with a highly specialized team of nurses, advanced practice providers, neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation experts. Expert stroke treatment is provided 24/7/365. 

In addition, several Corewell Health hospitals—Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe, Trenton and Troy—have been designated as Primary Stroke Centers by the Joint Commission. These hospitals are equipped to provide advanced stroke care, ensuring patients receive prompt and specialized treatment across the region. 

Corewell Health’s stroke team offers not only immediate treatment but also supports patients and families throughout the recovery journey, both in the hospital and at home.

Conclusion

Stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention and intervention. By understanding the symptoms, adopting preventive measures and accessing timely treatment, you can significantly improve your chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Corewell Health remains committed to advancing stroke care and empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to protect their health. For more information on stroke prevention and treatment, visit Stroke Signs & Symptoms | Corewell Health.