Strokes Specialist

What are strokes?

Strokes are serious health conditions that occur when there’s a blockage in blood supply to the brain. Without an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood, strokes may lead to brain damage.

There are two types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles block the flow of blood to the brain. 

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. 

Though a stroke is often the first warning sign that you have a problem, some people have transient ischemic attacks (TIA) before they have a stroke. During a TIA, there is blocked blood flow to the brain for a short period.

What are the symptoms of strokes?

Whether an ischemic, hemorrhagic, or TIA, symptoms are similar. Common stroke symptoms include:

• Weakness in your face or limbs on one side of the body
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision or blindness
• Slurred speech
• Headache

The type and severity of symptoms may depend on the location of your stroke and how much of your brain it affects. If you or someone you love has stroke symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

How can I prevent a stroke?

Complete Neurological Care is a state-of-the-art neurology practice that specializes in the prevention of strokes. If you have a history of a TIA or have health conditions that increase your risk of having a stroke, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, the experts can provide care that might help prevent a stroke.

For those at risk of having a stroke, the specialists perform a carotid Doppler or transcranial Doppler test. These tests use sound wave technology to measure blood flow in the arteries to your brain. 

The diagnostic test looks for narrowing in the arteries that may indicate you’re at an increased risk of having a stroke. Your provider then makes recommendations to prevent further narrowing or makes a referral to a vascular surgeon to treat the blood vessel. 

Patients with a history of TIA receive a prescription for blood thinners, as well as disease-specific medication to improve cholesterol or blood pressure. 

How are strokes treated?

Complete Neurological Care also specializes in treating patients following a stroke. The goal of stroke treatment is to help you recover and reduce your risk of having another stroke. 

Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Diet modification
• Disease-specific medication 
• Botox® injections for muscle spasms

To prevent strokes or get support for your stroke recovery, call Complete Neurological Care, or schedule an appointment online today.