Stroke Awareness Foundation

01/19/2026

When someone experiences a stroke, doctors must quickly restore blood flow to the brain to prevent death. However, this sudden return of circulation can also set off a harmful cascade that damages brain cells, drives inflammation, and raises the risk of lasting disability.

Researchers at Northwestern University have now created an injectable regenerative nanomaterial designed to protect the brain during this critical period after blood flow is restored.

In a new preclinical study, the scientists tested a single intravenous dose given immediately following reperfusion in a mouse model of ischemic stroke, the most common form of the condition. The therapy was able to cross the blood-brain barrier, a hurdle that prevents many treatments from reaching brain tissue, and promote repair. Mice that received the treatment showed significantly less brain damage, with no evidence of side effects or toxicity in major organs.

The results, published in the journal Neurotherapeutics, indicate that this approach could eventually work alongside existing stroke therapies by reducing secondary injury and aiding recovery.

New nanomaterial passes the blood-brain barrier to reduce damaging inflammation after the most common form of stroke. When someone experiences a stroke, doctors must quickly restore blood flow to the brain to prevent death. However, this sudden return of circulation can also set off a harmful casca

01/16/2026

Free Essential Booklets for Stroke Recovery. These booklets will provide the knowledge and resources you need to regain independence and enhance your quality of life. Explore these Quickread Booklets, written and read to you by Deb Shaw, the author, a three-time ischemic stroke survivor, and the Founder of Champion The Challenges

Read or Listen here:
https://www.strokeinfo.org/champion-the-challenges-post-stroke-care-booklets/
,

01/14/2026

Download the Free Stroke Awareness Foundation App.

Locate the nearest Stroke Center
Identify Stroke Signs and Symptoms
Notify emergency contacts of your geolocation and that you are having a stroke.
Available in English, Español, 中文 , and Quốc ngữ

Load the App. Save a Life. Download the Free Stroke Awareness Foundation App. Load the App. Save a Life. Download the Free Stroke Awareness Foundation App. Locate the nearest Stroke Center Identify Stroke Signs and Symptoms Notify emergency contacts of your

01/12/2026

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — which are used to reduce pain, fever and inflammation — have been pinpointed as the class of medicines most linked to elevated cardiovascular risk.

“They can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke via fluid retention and salt retention,” said Dr. Marc Siegel. “This increases volume, puts a strain on the heart and raises blood pressure.”

Common examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin and celecoxib.

Randomized trials found that ibuprofen caused the biggest spikes in blood pressure, followed by naproxen and then celecoxib.

NSAIDs can also increase stroke risk, especially at high doses and with long-term use.

Certain common OTC painkillers have been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

01/09/2026

High levels of Stress, Depression and Anxiety significantly increase a risk of a Stroke. Stroke remains to be the #1 cause of adult disability and #5 cause of death in the United States.

Here are some tips to destress and practice healthy lifestyle.

1. Take a few minutes to practice mindful meditation each day
2. Exercise 30 minutes a day
3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Your wellbeing and emotional resilience is essential as we work to help our community through the COVD-19 outbreak. High levels of Stress, Depression and Anxiety significantly increase a risk of a Stroke. Stroke remains to be the #1 cause of adult disability and #5 cause of death in the United State...

01/07/2026

A stroke at 29 changed Kari Cobham's approach to work, leadership, and recovery.
Cobham learned to value empathy, trust, and balance after returning to demanding jobs. Her experience now shapes her how she leads others, and she continues to give herself grace.


https://www.businessinsider.com/stroke-at-29-taught-me-how-to-be-a-better-leader-2026-1

01/05/2026

Following stroke, some people experience a language disorder that hinders their ability to process speech sounds. How do their brains change from stroke?

People with verbal speech processing issues from stroke were not slower to process speech sounds but had much weaker processing than healthy participants. According to the researchers, this suggests that people with this language disorder can hear sounds of all kinds as well as healthy people but have issues integrating speech sounds to understand language.


https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251230/Stroke-impacts-speech-sound-integration-not-speed-study-reveals.aspx

01/02/2026

Every year, more than 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke. While strokes can happen any time of year, studies presented by the American Heart Association have shown they occur more often during the winter months.

When temperatures drop, the body reacts by tightening or constricting its blood vessels to preserve heat. This process increases blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors for stroke.

Cold weather can also cause blood to thicken slightly, making it more likely to form clots that can block blood flow to the brain. These changes mean that for people who already have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other underlying conditions, cold weather can increase the chance of a stroke.

Every year, more than 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke. While strokes can happen any time of year, studies presented by the  American Heart Association have shown they occur more often during the winter months. Physicians at McLaren Health Care remind patients t...

12/31/2025

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of disability around the world.

People under the age of 45 are experiencing an increase in the likelihood of strokes across the country.

What’s behind the trend?

Physicians say unhealthy lifestyle choices, genetic conditions, stress, drug use, and infrequent visits to the doctor are some of the reasons.

The CDC says managing risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can help prevent stroke, along with an active, healthy lifestyle and diet.

People under the age of 45 are experiencing an increase in the likelihood of strokes across the country.

12/29/2025

Longer daytime naps are associated with a progressively higher risk for stroke, according to findings published in Sleep Medicine Reviews.

Across studies, napping duration was associated with increasing stroke risk. Compared with no napping, naps lasting 1 to 30 minutes were associated with a modestly higher risk for stroke, while naps longer than 90 minutes showed the strongest association.

Daytime napping duration is a potential risk factor for stroke, particularly when napping exceeds 1 hour or occurs as an unplanned event.

12/26/2025

Stroke can happen at anyone at anytime. This year, take the time to learn the warning signs of stroke. Learn the Signs and Save a Life.

If you or a loved one is showing any of the signs below, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY. B.E. F.A.S.T. Is there sudden loss of balance? Is there sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes? Does one side of the face