A stroke, also known as a brain attack, is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When blood flow is cut off, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause lasting damage or even death.

Symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden facial drooping or numbness on one side of the face
• Sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination problems
• Severe headache with no known cause

Types of strokes include:

• Ischemic stroke: The most common type of stroke, accounting for about 85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: Less common than ischemic stroke, but it can be more deadly. It occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sometimes called a "mini-stroke," a TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within 24 hours. However, TIA is a warning sign that a major stroke may be on the way, so it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for minimizing brain damage and improving the chances of a full recovery.

Risk factors for stroke include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• A family history of stroke
• Age (the risk of stroke increases with age)

Preventing Stroke

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke, such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol intake

If you or your loved one is in the San Antonio area, Boerne or New Braunfels call 210-369-9151 today to make your appointment with Dr. Busken.