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Help for 700,000 Americans who suffer strokes each year

	The most important thing you can do to limit the damage from a stroke is to get medical attention right away. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments to both treat and prevent strokes.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out whether medication or surgery rates best for treating a stroke.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with a stroke, you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health is here to help with the best research about strokes, and expert evidence and advice about treatment options.

Key points for people who have had a stroke

• A stroke is an emergency. If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, you should call 911 right away. You need to get to the hospital immediately.
• The symptoms of a stroke are: sudden numbness or weakness, especially if it's on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking; sudden problems seeing; sudden dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking; and a sudden, severe headache for no reason.
• If you're treated in a specialized stroke unit, you'll probably make a better recovery than if you're treated in an ordinary hospital ward.
• The symptoms you have in the first few days after a stroke may not last forever. Your symptoms are most likely to improve in the first two months after you have a stroke.
• Your symptoms are less likely to change after six months, but many people learn to adapt to the differences in their abilities caused by a stroke.
• Feeling depressed after suffering a stroke is common, and some people may need treatment. But depression usually goes away within six months to a year.
• Many people are able to live at home after having a stroke, with the help of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and dietitians. Every year about 700,000 people in the United States have a stroke. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. This stops brain cells from getting enough food and oxygen. If brain cells go without food and oxygen for too long, they may die. This causes brain damage.

The two types of treatment for a stroke consist of emergency and long-term treatment. Once you’ve been treated in the hospital, your care will involve measures to reduce your chance of having another stroke. We encourage you to read our entire condition report and to consult with your doctor to learn more about strokes. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.

Our in-depth, complete report on strokes including Treatment Ratings, is available to subscribers.