Stroke Specialist

What causes a stroke?

There are two main types of stroke that can affect the blood supply to your brain.

Ischemic stroke

Approximately 85% of all strokes are ischemic, meaning they’re caused by a blocked or narrowed artery. A thrombotic stroke is one type of ischemic stroke; it occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the arteries that supplies your brain with oxygen-rich blood. An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot that formed elsewhere moves through your bloodstream and gets lodged in a narrow brain artery.     

Hemorrhagic stroke

This less common type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or bursts. Uncontrolled high blood pressure and having weak spots in your blood vessel walls are just two of the many possible causes of a hemorrhagic stroke. When a hemorrhagic stroke takes place inside your brain, it’s called an intracerebral hemorrhage. When it occurs on or near the surface of your brain, it’s called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

What are the signs of a stroke?

If you notice signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else, prompt medical treatment is critical. That’s because early intervention can be both life-saving and minimize brain damage and potential post-stroke complications. Common stroke symptoms include:

• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Paralysis or numbness of the face, an arm, or a leg
• Blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or double vision
• A sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by dizziness
• A loss of balance and coordination that makes walking difficult

If you are having any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1

What does post-stroke treatment involve?

A stroke can cause temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on the part of the brain it affected, its severity, and the length of time it took to receive medical treatment. Post-stroke patients may experience:

• Paralysis or loss of muscle control
• Speech difficulties or difficulty swallowing
• Chronic pain, numbness, or tingling sensations
• Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
• Emotional problems, including depression

For the more than seven million stroke survivors in the United States, post-stroke treatment includes therapy right afterwards, followed by on-going post-stroke rehabilitation. This approach includes treatments that address a patient’s underlying risk factors for stroke, to help prevent recurrence.

Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy, and pain management are the main components of a comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program. Your physician at The Neurology Group tailors a treatment plan to your specific needs so that you can regain your strength and restore as much function as possible to help you live independently.