What is a stroke and how does it occur?
A stroke is a sudden disruption of blood flow in the brain, causing a part of the brain to receive insufficient oxygen. In most cases, this is due to a blockage of a blood vessel (cerebral infarction). Sometimes a vessel actually bursts, resulting in a bleed in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage).
In both cases, brain cells become damaged because they do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This can directly lead to the loss of functions such as movement, speech, or vision.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
The symptoms of a stroke appear suddenly and are often clearly noticeable. The most well-known signs are:
- a crooked mouth
- confused or unclear speech
- a limp arm or leg, often on one side of the body
These three signs together form the well-known FAST principle (Face, Arm, Speech, Time): if you recognize one of these symptoms, it's time to call 112 immediately.
Other possible signs of a stroke are sudden blurred or double vision, severe headache without a clear cause, or loss of balance and coordination.
A stroke is always a medical emergency. The faster someone is treated, the greater the chance of recovery. According to the Brain Foundation and Heart Foundation, quick recognition and treatment can make the difference between full recovery and lasting consequences.
What is the difference between a TIA and a stroke?
A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) is also known as a mini-stroke. The symptoms are very similar to those of a real stroke, such as a crooked mouth, tingling or weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech, but the difference is that these symptoms disappear within a few minutes to hours.
In a TIA, the blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted, often by a small blood clot that briefly blocks a blood vessel. In a stroke, the blockage or bleeding persists longer, which can cause permanent brain damage.
Although the symptoms go away on their own, a TIA is an important warning signal. Those who experience a TIA have an increased risk of a major stroke within a few days or weeks. Timely examination and treatment are therefore essential.
What can you do to prevent a stroke?
Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to reduce the risk of a stroke or TIA. The key lies in keeping your blood vessels healthy, as strong, flexible vessels ensure good blood flow to the brain.
A healthy lifestyle plays a major role in this:
- Exercise regularly, at least half an hour a day.
- Eat a varied diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Limit saturated fats and salt, and watch your cholesterol.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption – both increase the risk of vascular narrowing.
- Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.
- Ensure sufficient relaxation and sleep, as prolonged stress can increase blood pressure.
By taking good care of your cardiovascular system, you not only reduce the chance of a stroke but also improve your brain health.
Understanding Your Brain Health Brings Peace
On World Stroke Day 2025, we reflect on the importance of timely recognition of signals and ensuring healthy blood flow to the brain. By being aware of risk factors and taking good care of your heart and blood vessels, you can do much to help prevent a stroke.
At Prescan, we believe that insight is the first step towards prevention. An MRI of the brain can help to provide a clear picture of the structures and blood vessels in the brain, allowing any abnormalities, such as old small infarcts or vascular changes, to be assessed at an early stage.
The results are always expertly discussed, so you can confidently continue to look after your health.
Discover what an MRI of the brain can tell you about your brain health.
Head MRI (brain and skull)
Focus on Your Health
Whether you choose an MRI of the brain or a Cardio Vital examination: at Prescan, we help you gain insight into your health so you can move forward with confidence.
