Maryland Stroke Alliance

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain is blocked or ruptures and brain cells do not get the flow of blood that they need. Without blood, brain cells quickly begin to die.  The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain affected.  A stroke may cause paralysis, speech problems, loss of memory or reasoning ability, coma, or death.

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Ischemic Stroke is caused by a blood clot in the brain that blocks blood flow to the brain cells.  About 87 percent of strokes are ischemic.

Remember:  Ischemic = Block
Let’s Talk About Ischemic Strokes and Their Causes (.pdf)

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic Stroke is caused by a weakened blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain.  The blood accumulates and compresses the surrounding brain tissue.  About 13 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.
Remember: Hemorrhagic = Bleed
Let’s Talk About Hemorrhagic Strokes (.pdf)

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is when a person has stroke symptoms that may last a few minutes or up to an hour, usually resulting in no lasting brain damage.  Even though the symptoms disappear after a short time, TIAs are strong indicators of a possible stroke.  Steps should be taken immediately to prevent a stroke.
Let’s Talk About Stroke, TIA and Warning Signs (.pdf)

Special Populations

Let’s Talk About Children and Stroke (.pdf)

A Guide to Help African Americans Fight Stroke (.pdf)

Maryland Data

2007 Maryland Stroke Fact Sheet: Maryland_Stroke_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Women and Cardiovascular Disease State Facts: Maryland

 All downloadable PDFs provided with permission of the American Heart Association; © 2008 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.