Equipment & Supplies for Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off, killing brain cells within minutes. It's a medical emergency — every minute of delay increases brain damage.

Types of stroke: - Ischemic stroke (87%): A blood clot blocks an artery carrying blood to the brain - Hemorrhagic stroke: A blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into or around the brain - TIA (mini-stroke): A temporary blockage that resolves on its own — but is a strong warning sign of a future major stroke

The FAST signs of stroke: - Face drooping — one side droops or is numb - Arm weakness — one arm is weak or numb - Speech difficulty — slurred speech or unable to speak - Time to call 911 — don't wait

After a stroke: Stroke survivors often face physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Common effects include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding language, vision changes, and difficulty with memory and thinking.

Recovery: The brain has some ability to reorganize and compensate after stroke damage — a process called neuroplasticity. Rehabilitation that begins as soon as possible after a stroke achieves the best recovery.