Stroke

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke every year. If you’re concerned about having a stroke or need help recovering from one, contact the board-certified neurologists at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute, with offices in Bethlehem, Lilburn, and Braselton, Georgia. The team has years of experience helping stroke patients. Call the office nearest you or make an appointment online today.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when one of the blood vessels in your brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures and prevents part of your brain from getting the blood and oxygen it needs.

The three types of stroke are:

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow in your brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel ruptures in your brain.

Transient ischemic (TIA) stroke

A transient ischemic stroke is a mini-stroke caused by a temporary clot.

If you have a family history of stroke, you might have a higher risk of the condition. Your personal health history also affects your risk of stroke. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease increase your chances of having a stroke.

Lifestyle factors like smoking, eating too much salt and fat, and not getting enough exercise can also make you more susceptive to stroke.

What are the signs of a stroke?

A stroke can cause a number of symptoms, including:

• Numbness or weakness in the arm, face, or leg, usually on one side of your body
• Trouble speaking
• Problems understanding what other people say
• Paralysis
• Vision problems
• Lost balance
• Problems walking
• Dizziness
• Severe, sudden headache

If you or someone near you is showing signs of a stroke, get emergency help immediately. The more quickly you get help, the less likely you are to suffer brain damage, long-term disability, or death.

How is a stroke diagnosed?

If you’re concerned about a stroke, go to the emergency room for immediate help. However, once you are released, make an appointment at Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute so they can assess your brain health and nerve function.

The practice orders MRIs, CT scans, and cerebral angiograms to evaluate your brain. They could also request an electroencephalogram (EEG) to study your brain activity.

How is a stroke treated?

Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute can collaborate with your cardiologist to create a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs and lower your chances of having another stroke.

Your treatment plans can include medications and procedures to remove clots. Your specialist can prescribe medication or recommend therapy to retrain your brain and rebuild the connections between your brain and body. They can also suggest changes to your diet or a smoking cessation program.

If you’re concerned about stroke and are looking for an expert neurologist, call Atlantic Advanced Spine and Neurology Institute or make an appointment online today.