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Acute Stroke (Brain Attack)
Blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly blocked or a vessel bursts, so brain cells begin to die. It is an emergency — fast treatment can limit damage.
Causes & risk factors
- A clot blocking a brain artery (ischemic stroke)
- Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol
Common symptoms
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm or leg weakness or numbness
- Slurred or confused speech
- Sudden vision loss
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache
Tests & diagnosis
- Urgent CT scan of the brain
- MRI
- ECG
- Blood sugar
- Clotting tests
Treatment & management
- Call your local emergency number immediately — time is brain
- Clot-busting drugs for suitable clot strokes given early
- Clot removal (thrombectomy) in selected cases
- Controlling bleeding and blood pressure for hemorrhagic stroke
- Rehabilitation and prevention of future strokes
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now if you notice Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty (act FAST)
- Note the time symptoms started — it guides treatment
- Do not wait to see if symptoms pass, even a brief episode needs urgent care
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about acute stroke (brain attack). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What does FAST mean?
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services — a quick way to spot a stroke.
Why does speed matter so much?
Brain cells die quickly without blood flow, so earlier treatment means less lasting damage.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.