Stroke

What causes a stroke?

There are two main types of strokes, depending on what causes the problem:

Ischemic stroke: Accounts for at least 87% of all strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when fatty plaque or a blood clot blocks the blood supply to your brain. Blood clots may come from the plaque, or they develop elsewhere in your body, break free, and travel to your brain. You can also have a mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack or TIA). By definition, TIA symptoms last less than 24 hours, and do not typically cause permanent brain damage. However, a TIA is a red flag that you are at significantly increased risk for a full-blown stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in or around the brain rupture and bleed. As the blood accumulates, it pushes against your brain and causes stroke symptoms.

What symptoms occur during a stroke?

Patients can experience a sudden onset of:

Changes in your speech (slurred or garbled speech)

Inability to speak

Numbness or weakness on one side of your body

Dizziness

Trouble walking or falling

Loss of vision or vision changes (in one or both eyes)

Confusion or disorientation

As soon as you notice symptoms, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical technicians can start life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.

What should I expect during post-stroke management?

During a stroke, your treatment at the hospital includes restoring blood flow or stopping the bleeding. As you start to recover, you can turn to Greene Neurological and Medical Consulting for post-stroke management. During post-stroke management, Dr. Greene can prescribe medications needed to prevent another stroke. She also evaluates and discusses chronic diseases that increase your risk for stroke. For experienced post-stroke care, call Greene Neurological and Medical Consulting or request an appointment online today.