Brain Stroke Treatment in Tamarac, FL
Brain Stroke Treatment in Tamarac, FL
A brain stroke happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Brain cells can be damaged within minutes without enough oxygen. Getting treated early can reduce the chances of serious brain damage and lasting disability.
At Ismail MD in Tamarac, FL, and surrounding communities including Coral Springs, Margate, Coconut Creek, and throughout Broward County, neurological care for stroke focuses on evaluating the cause and effects of stroke, assessing risk factors, and developing an appropriate follow-up and prevention plan.
Brain Stroke Overview
The two main types of stroke are ischemic and TIA.
- An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or other blockage prevents blood from flowing to part of the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds.
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily cut off. Symptoms may disappear.
Types and Causes of Brain Stroke
Stroke has many causes, depending on the type and the health of the patient.
Ischemic Stroke Causes
- Atherosclerosis: A buildup of plaque inside arteries can narrow or block blood flow.
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): An irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood clots to form in the heart.
- Clotting Disorders: Certain blood disorders can raise your risk of abnormal blood clots.
- Heart defects: Certain heart conditions can increase the risk of blood clots traveling to the brain.
- Microvascular ischemic disease: Small blood vessels can be damaged, which can affect blood flow to the brain.
- Moyamoya disease: A rare disease characterized by narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the brain.
Causes of Hemorrhagic Stroke
Some strokes have no known cause. A neurological evaluation can help to figure out what’s going on.
- High blood pressure (arteries harden)
- Brain aneurysm
- Brain tumors
- Uncontrolled/high blood pressure
- Brain aneurysm
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Blood-thinning medication or bleeding disorders
- Certain vascular abnormalities
Brain Stroke Symptoms
Brain stroke Symptoms typically come on suddenly. They can include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
- Sagging of the face
- Difficulty speaking or understanding what is said
- Slurred speech
- Sudden changes of vision
- Dizziness or sudden loss of balance
- Difficulty with walking or coordinating movements
- Abrupt disorientation
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Sudden onset severe headache of unknown origin
Risk Factors for Stroke
Several things can increase your risk of stroke, including:
- Hypertensive
- Elevated Cholesterol
- Diabetes mellitus
- (Heart disease)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Previous stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)
- Smoking or tobacco
- Inactive (cut)
- Overweight or obese
- Binge drinking
- Sleep apnea
- Some blood disorders
- Advanced age
- Family history of strokes
Some risk factors for stroke are not modifiable, and others are treatable through medical care and changes in lifestyle.
Stroke Diagnosis
The workup for stroke begins with a medical history and neurologic examination. Your provider might also ask when your symptoms began and what happened during the event.
Tests may include, depending on your symptoms:
- Blood tests: They may check your blood sugar, blood counts, clotting, cholesterol, and other things.
- CT scan: Can quickly detect bleeding and other changes in the brain.
- MRI: Gives detailed images of brain tissue and stroke-damaged areas.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Evaluates the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormal rhythms (like atrial fibrillation).
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records electrical activity of the brain. It is not a standard stroke test but can be used if there is suspicion of seizure activity or some other neurological condition.
Brain Stroke Warning Signs
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. B.E. F.A.S.T. can help you recognize common warning signs and act quickly.
- B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination or trouble walking.
- E — Eyes: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
- F — Face: One side of the face is drooping or numb.
- A — Arms: Unexpected weakness or numbness in one arm.
- S — Speech: Slurred speech, speech problems, or problems understanding speech.
- T — Time: If you observe any of these signs, dial 911. Record the time the symptoms started or the time the person was last known to be well.
Brain Stroke Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of stroke, the cause, the length of time that symptoms have been present, and your overall health.
Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
Emergency treatment may include medications to dissolve a blood clot in the brain or a procedure to remove a clot from a blocked blood vessel. Treatment will depend on how quickly care is started and the condition of the patient.
Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke
Treatment may include controlling bleeding, lowering brain pressure, and treating the cause of the bleeding. Some patients may require medication, an endovascular procedure, or surgery.
Preventing a Second Stroke
Post-stroke or TIA treatment may be aimed at preventing a further event. This might include managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and other health conditions. The plan may include medication, lifestyle changes and regular follow-up.
Recovery After Stroke
After a stroke, some patients require rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can assist with movement, communication, swallowing, and daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Stroke
What is the difference between a stroke and a TIA?
A stroke is brain damage caused by blocked or bleeding blood vessels. A TIA causes temporary, stroke-like symptoms. Even if symptoms resolve, a TIA needs to be assessed quickly.
Can high blood pressure cause a stroke?
Yes. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and can contribute to damage or rupture of blood vessels.
Can an EEG detect a brain stroke?
An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain. It is most used to diagnose conditions such as seizures. The evaluation of a suspected stroke is more often performed with CT and MRI.
What causes a brain blood clot?
An ischemic stroke can occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked. A brain blood clot can prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the brain.
A blood clot in brain blood vessels may form in an artery affected by plaque buildup, or a clot can travel from another part of the body to the brain. Heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of blood clots that may travel to the brain.
Is Surgery Needed After a Stroke?
Not everyone who has a stroke needs surgery. Surgery after stroke may be considered in specific situations depending on the type and severity of the stroke.
Does Ismail MD provide stroke care in Tamarac, FL?
Yes. Ismail MD offers neurological evaluation and treatment for stroke and TIA in Tamarac, FL. Treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, examination, and the underlying cause.
Where can I receive neurological care for stroke in Tamarac, FL?
Ismail MD offers neurological services in Tamarac, FL, and surrounding communities including Coral Springs, Margate, Coconut Creek, and throughout Broward County, including assessment and treatment of stroke and TIA. If you have sudden stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately rather than waiting for an outpatient appointment.
Get the Right Care After a Stroke
A stroke or TIA can have lasting effects on your health and daily life. At Ismail MD, personalized neurological evaluation and follow-up care can help identify risk factors, monitor your recovery, and support stroke prevention.