Stroke

What it is

A stroke is a sudden loss of blood flow to part of the brain, either from a blocked vessel (ischaemic, about 85 percent) or a bleed (haemorrhagic). Fast treatment, with clot-busting drugs or mechanical clot removal, decides how much function returns, and prevention rests on blood pressure, atrial fibrillation treatment, cholesterol and smoking. Current research is on how low to push blood pressure after a stroke, extending the window for clot removal, and recovery through rehabilitation and brain stimulation.

This week · A trial found that a lower blood-pressure target after stroke reduced later heart and stroke events.

Written by the Alivewire editors from the coverage below, 3d ago. Not medical advice; how the ratings work.