Stroke

What are strokes?

Strokes develop when the blood supply to your brain is reduced or blocked, preventing brain tissues from receiving enough nutrients and oxygen. When deprived of this, brain cells begin to die. During a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in your brain bursts or leaks, causing bleeding and pressure that further damages brain cells.

Strokes require immediate medical attention to minimize brain damage and other complications, including death. Treatment at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care focuses on reducing stroke-related disability and preventing recurrence.

Which symptoms do strokes cause?

A stroke can lead to:

• Difficulty understanding what others are saying
• Behavioral changes
• Trouble speaking
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Weakness or numbness
• Facial, arm, or leg paralysis on one side of the body
• One arm beginning to fall when lifted
• Drooping of one side of the mouth
• Blackened or blurred vision
• Double vision
• Trouble walking, talking, or swallowing
• Severe and sudden headache
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Vomiting

If you or someone you know shows signs of a stroke, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention right away.

What increases the risk of a stroke?

Stroke risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Head trauma
• Excess body weight
• Lack of physical activity
• Drug use
• Heavy drinking
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Family or personal history of stroke or heart attack
• Being 55 or older
• Being male

Diagnosing a stroke involves physical and neurological exams, blood work, imaging procedures, and other diagnostic tests.

How are strokes treated?

After receiving emergency medical care for a stroke, Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care provides stroke follow-up care and post-stroke management. This includes ongoing monitoring, medication management, and guidance to help reduce complications, support recovery, and prevent future strokes.

Which strategies prevent strokes?

While there’s no guaranteed way to eliminate the risk of having a stroke, the following can lower your chances:

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Eat nutritious foods low in saturated and trans fats
• Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes
• Avoid smoking
• Stay active
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Avoid drugs

If you’ve had a stroke, taking prescribed medications and attending regular follow-up appointments can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing another stroke.

Schedule an in-person or virtual stroke evaluation today at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care by calling the office or booking a visit online.