Stroke

What causes a stroke?

There are several types of strokes, and they have different causes:

Ischemic stroke

This type accounts for about 80% of strokes, and it occurs when the arteries to your brain become narrow or blocked from a clot or plaque buildup.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or starts to leak. That can happen due to high blood pressure or overuse of blood thinner medication.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

This is often called a “mini” stroke, as it develops as a result of decreased blood supply to the brain but does not cause tissue damage or lasting symptoms.

You may be more likely to have a stroke if you are obese, if you have high blood pressure, if you’re a heavy drinker, or if you have diabetes or high cholesterol.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Common signs of a stroke include:

• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Confusion or disorientation
• Inability to move your mouth or limbs
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Headaches

If you experience a stroke, you might also stumble, lose your balance, or have difficulty walking.

What should I do if I experience a stroke?

If you experience any symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room right away. Even if you have mild symptoms, don’t wait to seek medical help. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more likely you are to experience serious side effects, including brain damage or disability.

How is a stroke treated?

Acute treatment for a stroke is critical. If you or a loved one experiences a stroke, visit the nearest emergency room right away. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more severe the consequences may be.

Depending on the type of stroke you experience, your provider might recommend:

• Emergency IV medication
• Medication delivered directly to the brain
• Inserting a stent
• Surgery

Once you’re released from the hospital, rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process. Working with a neurologist at South Valley Neurology can help you to recover cognitive abilities and ensure that you heal properly.

To learn more about treatment for a stroke, make an appointment at South Valley Neurology by calling the office today.