Stroke — Comprehensive medically reviewed guide

Q: What are the 4 stroke signs to know?

FAST test: Face (asymmetric), Arm (one arm drifts down), Speech (speech difficulty), Time (note the time and call 141). One positive sign = absolute emergency.

Q: Why not give aspirin if you suspect a stroke?

In 20% of cases the stroke is haemorrhagic (vessel rupture) — aspirin worsens the bleeding. Wait for the medical team to perform a CT scan to determine the type.

Q: Can you recover fully after a stroke?

Yes, with rapid care (thrombolysis under 4h30) and early rehabilitation. 30% of patients recover without sequelae. The first 3-6 months are crucial.

Q: Is a TIA less serious than a stroke?

A TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) is a stroke whose symptoms resolve within 24h. 15% progress to a full stroke within 3 months → it is an EMERGENCY of the same kind.

Main symptoms

•Facial asymmetry (lopsided smile)
•Arm weakness (cannot raise one arm)
•Speech difficulties (slurred, aphasia)
•Sudden vision disturbance
•Vertigo, loss of balance
•Sudden severe headache (thunderclap)
•Sudden confusion

Risk factors

⚠️ Hypertension (main cause)
⚠️ Diabetes (risk ×2-3)
⚠️ Untreated atrial fibrillation (×5)
⚠️ Smoking (×2)
⚠️ High LDL cholesterol
⚠️ Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
⚠️ Untreated sleep apnoea
⚠️ Family history of stroke

Management and treatments

**LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY** — call 141 (SAMU). **IV thrombolysis** (alteplase) within 4h30 dissolves the clot. **Mechanical thrombectomy** up to 6-24h via catheter. Available in Neurovascular Units (UNV) of Moroccan university hospitals: Ibn Rochd Casa, Ibn Sina Rabat, Hassan II Fès, Mohammed VI Marrakech. Then intensive rehabilitation: physiotherapy + speech therapy + occupational therapy. Stroke is recognised as ALD = 100% reimbursed.

Prevention

Strict blood pressure control (< 140/90 mmHg), complete smoking cessation, 150 min/week of physical activity, Mediterranean diet, anticoagulation if AF (CHA2DS2-VASc score assessment), statin if high cholesterol or cardiovascular history, CPAP for sleep apnoea.

Frequently asked questions

What are the 4 stroke signs to know?+

FAST test: Face (asymmetric), Arm (one arm drifts down), Speech (speech difficulty), Time (note the time and call 141). One positive sign = absolute emergency.

Why not give aspirin if you suspect a stroke?+

In 20% of cases the stroke is haemorrhagic (vessel rupture) — aspirin worsens the bleeding. Wait for the medical team to perform a CT scan to determine the type.

Can you recover fully after a stroke?+

Yes, with rapid care (thrombolysis under 4h30) and early rehabilitation. 30% of patients recover without sequelae. The first 3-6 months are crucial.

Is a TIA less serious than a stroke?+

A TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) is a stroke whose symptoms resolve within 24h. 15% progress to a full stroke within 3 months → it is an EMERGENCY of the same kind.

📖 Detailed article

To learn more about stroke, read our cornerstone medically reviewed article.

Read the full article →

Management and treatments

Frequently asked questions

What are the 4 stroke signs to know?+

FAST test: Face (asymmetric), Arm (one arm drifts down), Speech (speech difficulty), Time (note the time and call 141). One positive sign = absolute emergency.

Why not give aspirin if you suspect a stroke?+

In 20% of cases the stroke is haemorrhagic (vessel rupture) — aspirin worsens the bleeding. Wait for the medical team to perform a CT scan to determine the type.

Can you recover fully after a stroke?+

Yes, with rapid care (thrombolysis under 4h30) and early rehabilitation. 30% of patients recover without sequelae. The first 3-6 months are crucial.

Is a TIA less serious than a stroke?+

A TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) is a stroke whose symptoms resolve within 24h. 15% progress to a full stroke within 3 months → it is an EMERGENCY of the same kind.