According to the American Heart Association, more 750,000 people had a stroke over the past year. Strokes are the leading cause of disability and third leading cause of death in the world. While younger women are at less risk than men, a woman’s risk increases with age. Overall, about 46,000 more women than men have a stroke. The majority of strokes – 87 percent – are
ischemic, which is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain. Most often, the reduction is due to a blockage or narrowing in an artery that supplies blood to the brain or when the blood flow is reduced because of a heart condition. A
hemorrhagic stroke, a bleed inside the brain, is not as common. It develops when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts.
The key to surviving a stroke is quick, accurate diagnosis, followed by aggressive treatment. With an ischemic stroke, patients may have warning signs or what is called
transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes. TIA symptoms normally don’t last more than 20 minutes, but some can last for up to 24 hours. It’s important for patients to report these symptoms immediately to their doctor:
- Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Vision problems in one or both eyes, such as double vision or loss of vision.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Severe headache.
Patients are diagnosed with a stroke, using a series of tests and a CT scan to determine the type of stroke. Diagnosing whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic is critical as the medications and treatments are different, and can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
Radiologists at Mecklenburg Radiology Associates are fellowship trained to diagnose and treat stroke patients. These neuroradiologists and interventional radiologists have a thorough understanding of how the brain and circulatory system work and how they function. This specialty team provides the latest in state-of-the-art stroke care from diagnosis to treatment at Presbyterian Hospitals and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.
According to the American Heart Association, more 750,000 people had a stroke over the past year. Strokes are the leading cause of disability and third leading cause of death in the world. While younger women are at less risk than men, a woman’s risk increases with age. Overall, about 46,000 more women than men have a stroke. The majority of strokes – 87 percent – are
ischemic, which is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain. Most often, the reduction is due to a blockage or narrowing in an artery that supplies blood to the brain or when the blood flow is reduced because of a heart condition. A
hemorrhagic stroke, a bleed inside the brain, is not as common. It develops when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts.
The key to surviving a stroke is quick, accurate diagnosis, followed by aggressive treatment. With an ischemic stroke, patients may have warning signs or what is called
transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes. TIA symptoms normally don’t last more than 20 minutes, but some can last for up to 24 hours. It’s important for patients to report these symptoms immediately to their doctor:
- Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Vision problems in one or both eyes, such as double vision or loss of vision.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Severe headache.
Patients are diagnosed with a stroke, using a series of tests and a CT scan to determine the type of stroke. Diagnosing whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic is critical as the medications and treatments are different, and can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
Radiologists at Mecklenburg Radiology Associates are fellowship trained to diagnose and treat stroke patients. These neuroradiologists and interventional radiologists have a thorough understanding of how the brain and circulatory system work and how they function. This specialty team provides the latest in state-of-the-art stroke care from diagnosis to treatment at Presbyterian Hospitals and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.