Stroke quiz

How much do you know about stroke? Try taking the following true-or- false quiz. You may be surprised at how much you know.

#1. Strokes are bleeding into the brain.

This is partially true. A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when an artery carrying blood to part of the brain breaks and bleeds or becomes clogged by a blood clot. When this happens, the part of the brain that was fed by the artery can die. This causes the part of the body that is controlled by the affected area of the brain to stop functioning. Strokes can result in loss of speech, loss of ability to move parts of your body, loss of vision, and several other acute problems.

#2. TIAs are sometimes called "ministrokes."

True. TIA means transient ischemic attacks--a temporary blockage of blood to the brain. Unlike strokes, TIAs do not cause any permanent damage. Patients who have these feel they have had a stroke, but the symptoms resolve within 24 hours. However, TIAs can be warnings of more severe strokes to come. If you think you have had a TIA, see your healthcare provider.

#3. Strokes are preventable.

True. There are many things you can do to prevent strokes. Do not smoke. If you have high blood pressure, take your medicine regularly. Take low dose aspirin daily if your healthcare provider says it is OK. Remember to live a healthy lifestyle that includes low fat and high fiber meals, regular exercise, and decreased stress.

#4. All people who have strokes end up disabled.

False. Many stroke patients lead full lives after their strokes. Some medications may decrease the extent of strokes when used within a few hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. In addition, physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help people recover many physical functions that were impaired by stroke damage.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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