What is stroke?
A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to any part of your brain, damaging brain cells. The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that was damaged and the amount of damage done.
Stroke
Signs of a stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone with you is experiencing these signs, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Know what to do
How is stroke treated?
Your treatment will depend on the type of stroke you have, how serious it was, your age and general health, and how soon you arrive at the hospital.
First days
The first hours after stroke can be very scary and fast-paced. The healthcare team will be working quickly to figure out the type of stroke you have had so that they can take action to prevent further damage to brain cells.... Read more
Leaving the hospital
Moving to the next step in your recovery can be a stressful time. You may be moving to a rehabilitation unit, going home or going into long-term care. It helps to be prepared and to have a good discharge plan. You and your family play the most important role in making your plan.... Read more
Rehabilitation
Your recovery starts as soon as you are stabilized. Rehab is the process and approach that helps you to recover as many abilities as possible. It can be a formal program, or it might include exercises and routines that you do at home.... Read more
Your recovery team
When you have a stroke, a team of healthcare providers works with you and your family, whether in hospital or at home, to help you recover from or adapt to the changes caused by stroke and teach you about stroke, its effects and strategies to use in daily life.... Read more
Are you a health care provider?
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Risk & prevention
Nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for stroke. The good news? Lifestyle changes can dramatically lower your risk. Read more
Lifestyle risk factors
Many stroke risk factors are within your power to control. Find out what these are and learn steps to help lower your risk.
See lifestyle risk factors
Condition risk factors
Some medical conditions increase the risk of stroke. Learn how to manage these conditions and help lower your risk with healthy habits.
See condition risk factors
Risk factors you cannot change
While there are some risk factors for stroke you can do something about, there are others that you cannot control.
See risk factors you cannot change
Women's unique risk factors
While most risk factors are the same for women and men, it’s important to know women's unique stroke risk factors and signs.
See women’s unique risks
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