John Fetterman announced he was recovering after a stroke.

In light of the news -- and National Stroke Awareness Month -- experts are urging members of the public to learn more about the signs of stroke, so they are able to identify them and get medical help early.

What a stroke actually is

"A heart attack is a heart attack, and a brain attack is a stroke," Freeman said.

What is happening to the brain

In a hemorrhagic stroke, the blood that has left the artery damages brain cells when it applies too much pressure, the CDC said.

When blood flow is interrupted in an ischemic stroke, the brain cells can't get the oxygen and nutrients they need.

How to treat a stroke

Treatment and recovery depend on the severity of the stroke and how quickly the patient receives medical care.

Smaller strokes may leave less impact, but larger ones can change much of a person's life, Freeman said.

"If you're having a stroke, getting immediately to a hospital or facility that can intervene can significantly improve outcomes by restoring blood flow quickly," Freeman said.

How to prevent a stroke

High blood pressure, age and a history of vascular events are all big risk factors for a stroke, Freeman said.