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Carotid Endarterectomy / Carotid Angioplasty with Stenting (Endarterectomy-Carotid, CEA, Carotid Artery Angioplasty with Stenting, CAS, Carotid Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty, CPTA/Stenting, Carotid Artery Stenting) Procedure Overview What are carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty with stenting? Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) are procedures performed to treat carotid artery disease in certain circumstances. Carotid artery disease, also cal...

Vascular Studies (Carotid, Arm, and Leg Arterial and Venous Studies, Carotid Ultrasound, Venous Doppler Studies, Arterial Doppler Studies, Pulse Volume Recordings, PVRS) Procedure Overview What are vascular studies? Vascular studies are a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the blood flow in arteries and veins. A transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the skin at certain locations an...

Carotid Artery Duplex Scan (Carotid Ultrasound, Vascular Ultrasound Study, Carotid Artery Doppler Sonography) Procedure Overview A carotid artery duplex scan is a type of vascular ultrasound study done to assess the blood flow of the arteries that supply blood from the heart through the neck to the brain. There are six carotid arteries - the right and left common carotid arteries, which divide and form the right and left internal carotid arteries and the right and left external carotid arteries. One pai...

Cerebral Arteriogram (Cerebral Angiography, Cerebral Angiogram) Procedure Overview What is a cerebral arteriogram? An arteriogram, also called an angiogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels. It is performed to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. A cerebral arteriogram is an arteriogram of the blood vessels of the brain. How is an arteriogram performed? An arteriogram involves inserting an ar...

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Brain (Head CT Scan, Intracranial CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the brain? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are m...

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain (MRI Scan of the Spine, MRI Scan of the Brain) Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does an MRI scan work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the pat...

Stroke What is stroke? Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke). The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function. Even a brief interruption in blood supply can cause problems. Brain cells begin to di...

Effects of Stroke What are the effects of stroke? The effects of stroke vary from person to person based on the type, severity, and location of the stroke. The brain is extremely complex and each area of the brain is responsible for a special function or ability. When an area of the brain is damaged, which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment may result. An impairment is the loss of normal function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment may result in a disability, or inability to perform...

Rehabilitation for Stroke What is rehabilitation? Rehabilitation is the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of independence and quality of life possible - physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Rehabilitation does not reverse or undo the damage caused by a stroke, but rather helps restore the individual to optimal health, functioning, and well-being. Rehabilitate (from the Latin "habilitas") means "to make able again." The stroke rehabilitation team: The stroke rehabi...

Risk Factors for Stroke Evaluating the risk for stroke is based on heredity, natural processes, and lifestyle. Many risk factors for stroke can be changed or managed, while others that relate to hereditary or natural processes cannot be changed. Risk factors for stroke that can be changed, treated, or medically managed: high blood pressure The most important controllable risk factor for stroke (brain attack) is controlling high blood pressure (140/90 or higher). High blood pressure can damage blood vess...

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke What are the most common symptoms of stroke? The following are the most common symptoms of stroke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 (or your local ambulance service) immediately. Treatment is most effective when started immediately. Symptoms may be sudden and include: weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding pr...

Statistics of Stroke More about stroke/brain attack: Consider the following statistics regarding strokes: Stroke is the third largest cause of death, ranking behind diseases of the heart and all forms of cancer. Almost every 40 seconds in the United States, a person experiences a stroke. Over 4 million US adults live today with the effects of a stroke. The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, estimates strokes cost the US $68.9 billion in 2009. Women account for abo...

Treatment for Stroke Medical treatment for stroke: Specific treatment for stroke will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history severity of the stroke location of the stroke cause of the stroke your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies type of stroke your opinion or preference Although there is no cure for stroke, advanced medical and surgical treatments are now available, giving many stroke victims hope for optimal recovery. Emergenc...

Types of Stroke What are the different types of stroke? Strokes can be classified into two main categories: 87 percent are ischemic strokes - strokes caused by blockage of an artery. 13 percent are hemorrhagic strokes - strokes caused by bleeding. What is an ischemic stroke? An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies the brain becomes blocked or "clogged" and impairs blood flow to part of the brain. The brain cells and tissues begin to die within minutes from lack of oxygen and nutrient...

Evaluation Procedures for Stroke How is stroke diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for stroke may include the following. Imaging tests of the brain: computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any par...

History of Stroke History of stroke: Hippocrates, the father of medicine, first recognized stroke over 2,400 years ago. At this time stroke was called apoplexy, which means "struck down by violence" in Greek. This was due to the fact that a person developed sudden paralysis and change in well-being. Physicians had little knowledge of the anatomy and function of the brain, the cause of stroke, or how to treat it. It was not until the mid-1600s that Jacob Wepfer found that patients who died with apoplexy ...

Overview of Stroke Click Image to Enlarge What is stroke? Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke). The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function. Even a brief interruption in bl...

Stroke (Brain Attack) Stroke is a serious condition that requires clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below you will find some additional information regarding stroke, for which we have provided a brief overview. History of Stroke Overview of Stroke Signs and Symptoms of Stroke Risk Factors for Stroke Statistics of Stroke Types of Stroke Effects of Stroke Evaluation Procedures for Stroke Treatment for Stroke Rehabilitation for Stroke

What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack? A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a ministroke or warning stroke, causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke. The difference is that TIAs don’t cause permanent brain damage, and they usually last less than five minutes. TIAs happen when a blood clot or artery spasm suddenly and briefly blocks or closes off an artery. For a short time, this stops blood from reaching the brain. TIA symptoms usually last less than one hour, but they can last for up to 24 ...

Exercise Can Help to Cut Stroke Risk Take a brisk walk. Climb the stairs at work. Dance the polka. If you engage in these and other kinds of exercise for an hour a day, you can cut your risk for stroke by nearly half, according to a report in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association . In the Harvard Alumni Health Study, researchers tracked the health of people who graduated from Harvard between 1916 and 1950. In the study, researchers looked at physical activity and followed men from 1977 until...

Stopping Blood Pressure Drugs Risks a Stroke Medication to control high blood pressure only works if you take it. If you stop taking antihypertensive medication without discussing it with your doctor, you put yourself at risk for a stroke. High blood pressure is the most important preventable risk factor for stroke, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk for stroke and other health consequences. What's high? Optimal blood pressure is less th...

Strokes and Heart Attacks: What's the Difference? Although their symptoms and effects can be similar--and confusing--strokes and heart attacks are two different medical problems. "They are both vascular events, meaning they involve the blood vessels and particularly the arteries," says Dwight W. Reynolds, M.D., a cardiologist in Oklahoma City. With a heart attack, Dr. Reynolds says, the blood supply to the heart is cut off, causing a part of the heart muscle to die. With a stroke, the blood supply to th...

Recognize the Signs of a Stroke Lee Dresser, M.D., got an interesting e-mail from his dad last year. It was just a chain letter, but it caught his attention because it listed the warning signs of a stroke. As a neurologist in Wilmington, Del., who treats stroke patients, Dr. Dresser was glad to see the spotlight on stroke symptoms. "The more people know about the symptoms, the better," he says. The sooner, the better The good news about a stroke is that it can be successfully treated. But there's a catc...

Stroke Recovery Begins With Rehabilitation If someone you love has had a stroke—a blood vessel in the brain was blocked or damaged—you may wonder what lies ahead. A stroke can cause problems with speech, vision, memory, balance, or coordination. It can leave part of the body weakened or paralyzed, among other physical problems. Your loved one may have to relearn how to walk, talk or do daily activities. It may help to know that rehabilitation can help people regain life skills and learn new ways to do t...

A Better Understanding of Stroke Your brain is an amazing organ. Its nerve cells are always sending signals to one another and throughout your body, telling your mouth to form words, your feet to move or your eyes to focus. During a stroke, the brain cells that send these signals may die because blood isn’t getting to them. Consequently, you may lose the ability to talk, move or even think clearly. Fast action can help minimize the damage done by a stroke, says the American Heart Association (AHA). A st...

Life After Stroke Getting your life back after having a stroke can be hard work and a slow process. But it's important to know that in most cases, you can do it. Your attitude, the skills you learn and the steps you take may have a lot to do with your recovery. Stroke, or "brain attack," is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. It occurs when blood flow is interrupted to an area of the brain because of a blocked artery or blood vessel, or a broken blood ve...

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Stroke Strokes often result in long-term health problems, and sometimes death. But there are steps you can take to help prevent them. What is a stroke? To function properly, your brain relies on a constant flow of blood. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or dramatically reduced. This is the most common type of stroke. If a blood vessel in the brain bleeds, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke. A stroke deprives brain cells of blood and o...

Ministrokes Deserve Maximum Attention Do you know what a ministroke is? If you do, you're among the minority. A ministroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a brief episode of stroke symptoms caused by temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Most people suffer TIAs without realizing it. But a third of the time, TIAs precede the full-blown, disabling strokes that are the nation's third leading cause of death. Each year, 750,000 Americans have such strokes--and 160,000 die. In a stroke, f...

Stroke Awareness for All Ages Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer and a leading cause of adult disability. Although more strokes occur in the elderly, stroke is also a major cause of disability and death among middle-aged people, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA). What causes stroke? Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots that bloc...