Stroke Due to Atrial Fibrillation

A stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation occurs when a clot formed in the heart, due to an irregular heart rhythm, travels to the brain and blocks blood flow. It is one of the ways an arrhythmia can affect brain circulation.

Common symptoms: they usually appear suddenly and include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding, vision disturbances, and imbalance.

When to see a doctor? with any abrupt sign of this kind, it is best to seek emergency care immediately, since time is decisive.

Which specialist treats it? the neurologist and the cardiologist work together to address both the brain event and the underlying arrhythmia; in acute situations the emergency physician intervenes and, depending on the case, the neurosurgeon. Evaluating your situation with these professionals allows a better understanding of the next steps.