During Stroke Awareness Month in May, experts will talk about the top causes of stroke -- things like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and smoking.
You'll also hear how to spot a stroke by using the acronym F.A.S.T. (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911).
But there are less common causes of stroke that can be just as deadly.
Sickle cell (the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting more than 1,000 babies born each year) comes with a high risk of stroke.
"It's estimated about 40% of patients with sickle cell by the time they're 18 years of age will have evidence of stroke," Dr. Kevin Conner, a neurologist at Texas Health Arlington Memorial, said.
Conner said strokes can also be migraine-related.
"Migraine-related strokes are rare causes of strokes. A lot of people have migraines, but a lot of people with migraines don't necessarily have strokes," he said.
Additionally, cerebral venous thrombosis can be a cause for stroke.
"With cerebral venous thrombosis, there's something clogging up the flow from the brain itself. Which then backs up flow, which increases pressure, which subsequently causes strokes," Conner said. "We see that predominantly in infections. Oftentimes we'll see it in pregnancy of all things. It's pretty frightening to see a pregnant lady in the midst of a stroke."
Conner said the biggest things to do to prevent stroke are to keep your diabetes, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure under control.
"And then smoking is also a huge risk factor as well," he said.
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