Stroke Specialist

What is a stroke?

Strokes occur when something interferes with the flow of blood to your head. This deprives your brain of the oxygen it needs, so your brain cells start to die. There are several types of strokes:

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke results from some form of blockage in your carotid artery.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when you have a burst or leaking blood vessel in your head.

Transient ischemic attack

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) results from a temporary disruption of blood flow to your brain. It's sometimes called a mini-stroke and doesn't cause permanent brain damage, but a TIA is a warning sign that your risk of a stroke is high.

Why would I suffer a stroke?

Ischemic strokes (the most common kind) typically result from carotid artery disease. This condition develops when you have atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, which is a buildup of cholesterol and waste products that form a sticky substance called plaque.

The plaque lines the inside of your arteries, reducing the space for blood to flow. The arteries may become so narrowed that blood stops flowing, or a piece of plaque may break away and create a clot that blocks the artery, both of which lead to a stroke.

Your risk of experiencing a disruption in blood flow to your brain increases with age. Other factors that can affect your likelihood of suffering a stroke include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Weight problems
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Insufficient exercise
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Substance abuse

If you have a heart disorder like coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), you also have a greater risk of stroke.

What symptoms are typical of a stroke?

Depending on which brain cells you lose when having a stroke, you might experience:

• Paralysis
• Difficulty seeing clearly
• Inability to talk
• Problems walking
• Loss of coordination
• Sudden dizziness

If someone you're with is struggling to speak or move, and one side of their face starts to droop, it's important to call 911, as these are classic signs of a stroke.

What treatments can help with a stroke?

Immediate treatment of a stroke involves restoring blood flow to your brain. Medications might be necessary to break up blood clots if you're having an ischemic stroke. They can also control bleeding and pressure in your brain and prevent clots from forming if you're suffering a hemorrhagic stroke.

Further procedures might be necessary for some patients. This could involve a minimally invasive catheterization technique like peripheral angioplasty, where the plaque blocking the carotid artery undergoes compression to open up more space. Or you might need surgery to repair damaged blood vessels that have triggered a hemorrhagic stroke.

To find out more about stroke or discuss preventive measures, call Atlanta Neuro Care today, or book an appointment online.