Strokes May Lead to Epilepsy

Learn how preventing stroke can also prevent some kinds of epilepsy.

What is a Stroke?

Older woman looking out of a window with a somber look.

A stroke happens when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.1About 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year.1 It is a major cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.1 Signs that someone is having a stroke are:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or problems understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.1