Stroke
In Italy, approximately 185,000 people are affected by strokes each year, with 150,000 new cases and 35,000 recurrent cases (data from European Stroke Organisation).
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On this page
- What Is Stroke?
- What Are the Symptoms of Stroke?
- How Do You Diagnose Stroke?
- How Do You Treat Stroke?
What Is Stroke?
A stroke most often occurs when blood flow to the brain becomes blocked (called ischemic stroke). The different types of stroke include:
- Transient ischemic attack – or TIA are sometimes referred to as a “warning stroke”.
- Ischemic stroke – blood is stopped when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked.
- Hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when a blood vessel breaks and blood leaks or spills into the brain tissue.
What Are the Symptoms of Stroke?
Common warning signs and symptoms of stroke include:
- One-sided weakness.
- Numbness on one side of face, arm, or leg.
- Slurred or garbled speech.
- Difficulty talking to or understanding others.
- Loss of vision or difficulty seeing in one eye.
- Double vision.
- Difficulty with balance or coordination of arms or legs.
- Severe headache (the worst headache of your life).
How Do You Diagnose Stroke?
Tests that help doctors diagnose stroke include:
- Neurological exams
- Blood tests
- Other tests to quickly determine the cause, location, and amount of damage
Imaging scans that can help diagnose stroke include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans –a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the brain.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans – a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the brain.
- Arteriography (angiography) shows arteries in the brain.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) – creates a of blood flow& in the brain's vessels.
- Functional MRI – shows brain activity by picking up signals from oxygenated blood.
- Doppler ultrasound – reveals narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
How Do You Treat Stroke?
Prompt treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. Stroke treatment varies depending on the type of stroke—ischemic (caused by a blockage) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding)—as well as the severity and timing of the event.
Treatment approaches generally fall into several broad categories:
- Medications: Drugs like tPA, blood thinners, and blood pressure medications are used to dissolve clots and manage risk factors.
- Surgical Treatments: Surgery may be needed to remove clots, repair blood vessels, or relieve brain pressure.
- Therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies help patients recover movement, function, and communication.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is sometimes used alongside conventional treatment to support recovery and relieve symptoms.
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Long-term, personalized rehab programs aim to restore independence and improve quality of life.
Reviewed October 2025.