Treatment for Strokes in Dulles & Leesburg, VA
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Because the blood flow is cut off, the affected tissue in the brain is starved of oxygen. As a result, brain cells can begin to die. The long-term effects of a stroke depend on the severity and type of stroke a person suffers.
Virginia Center for Neuroscience offers rapid diagnosis, effective treatment, and rehabilitation for people who have suffered a stroke. Dr. Seth Tuwiner is a board-certified neurologist with extensive experience. Call (703) 293-5244 to schedule an appointment today!
Types of Stroke & Their Treatments
There are three different types of strokes that can occur.
Ischemic Stroke
This type of stroke accounts for approximately 87 percent of all strokes suffered. Simply put, an ischemic stroke occurs when the blood flow through an artery that supplies a portion of the brain with blood becomes blocked. Blood clots are often the cause of blockages.
Treatment typically begins with medication that dissolves clots. Asprin is a common medication for this but must be injected within 4.5 hours of symptoms beginning. In emergencies, a catheter may be used to physically remove the clot.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain bursts, causing leaked blood to place pressure on brain cells, which can cause damage to them. Most commonly, the burst artery will flood the surrounding tissue with blood, but in rare cases, bleeding can occur inside of the brain under the thin tissue that covers it.
Treatment begins with medication that is meant to reduce pressure in the brain. Surgery may be used to close the source of an aneurysm.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Often called a "mini-stroke," a TIA only blocks blood flow to the brain for less than five minutes. There's no way to tell the difference between a TIA and a major stroke while it is occurring. TIAs are warning signs of future major strokes.
Stroke Symptoms
If stroke symptoms are observed, it is imperative that medical attention is sought immediately.
Symptoms include:
- Slurred speech or confusion. Someone suffering from a stroke may have difficulty speaking or comprehending what is being said to them.
- Paralysis on one side of the body. The numbness or paralysis may occur in the face, arms or legs.
- Blurry vision. Vision in one or both eyes may suddenly become blurry or dark. Some people see double.
- Severe headache. An extremely intense headache may suddenly occur along with dizziness, or even vomiting.
A quick test to check for stroke symptoms can be remembered with the acronym "FAST":
Face. If the person smiles, and one side droops, a stroke may be
occurring.
Arms. Raise both arms overhead. If one arm lowers or drops, this can be a
sign of a stroke.
Speech. The person should try to repeat a phrase. If the speech is
slurred, or just seems "off," it could be a symptom of a stroke.
Time. In
terms of treatment, time is critical. Call 911 at once.
Preventing a Stroke
The best way to prevent a stroke is simply by living a healthy lifestyle. Diet and exercise are key.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes, four times per week.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Manage diabetes (if applicable.)
- Keep blood pressure under control.
- Seek treatment for sleep apnea (if applicable.)
Recovering From a Stroke
Rehabilitation will begin as soon as possible following a stroke. Once the patient is stable in the hospital, therapy will begin. After the patient is released from the hospital, the rehabilitation process will continue. The goal of the process and to restore as much physical and cognitive function as possible. Some options a stroke neurologist will recommend for rehabilitation include:
- Inpatient therapy
- Home therapy
- Outpatient therapy after returning home
- Long-term care facility with specialist nursing care
For more information, call Dr. Seth Tuwiner at (703) 293-5244 for an appointment.