• Thrombotic stroke. This is caused by fatty deposits called plaques that have built up in the arteries carrying blood to the brain. These deposits slow the blood flow until a blood clot completely blocks an artery. This stops the flow of oxygen and nutrients to a part of the brain.
• Embolic stroke. This is caused by a blood clot that forms in another part of the body. The clot breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream, and blocks an artery carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When traveling through the body, the blood clot is called an embolus.
• Hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused when an artery breaks and bleeds into the brain. The broken blood vessel prevents needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain cells. Because the skull cannot stretch outward, pressure can build up inside the head from the leaked blood. This leads to more damage to the brain. One type of hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery that has weakened over time bulges (aneurysm) and suddenly breaks.

A stroke is a medical emergency. You should get medical care right away. Research shows that treatment during the first hours after symptoms appear can help you recover from it. FAST is an easy way to remember and identify some common symptoms of a stroke:

• F - Face. Does 1 side of the face droop when trying to smile?
• A - Arms. Does 1 arm drift downward when raising both arms?
• S - Speech. Is there a change in speech or slurred speech?
• T - Time. If any of these signs are present, call 911 right away.

Some people get better within weeks after a stroke. Other people may need many months or years to get better. Stroke rehabilitation includes many kinds of therapies:

• Physical therapy to make your muscles stronger and balance and coordination better
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy to help your eye-hand coordination and the skills needed for daily tasks such as bathing and cooking