What is a Stroke? Simply put, a stroke is a “brain attack.” A stroke can occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot or another particle. Without oxygen rich blood and nutrients, brain cells in the affected area begin to malfunction and die. […]
View a printer-friendly version of this blog post. Balance, vertigo and dizziness issues are common after stroke. In many cases, vestibular rehabilitation performed by a specially trained physical therapist can help. The Vestibular System Many people are not familiar with the body’s vestibular (equilibrium) system. The vestibular part of the inner ear sends information to […]
A stroke occurs when an artery that leads to or is inside the brain becomes blocked or damaged. A clot can block the artery or an artery can burst. This reduces or completely blocks blood flow to an area of the brain. In the South, stroke is the third leading cause of death and the […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. The window of time the WakeMed Stroke Team can perform stroke treatment has just increased from 6 to 24 hours after symptom onset for certain stroke patients. In addition, more patients with mild ischemic stroke symptoms may now qualify for medical treatment with clot-dissolving medication. Recent Trials […]
Download a printable version of this blog post. A stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when an artery, leading to the brain (or within the brain) is blocked or damaged. A clot can block an artery, or an artery can burst. This reduces or completely blocks blood flow to an area of the brain. […]
It sounds like she’s slurring her words a little bit, and she’s not holding her coffee cup like she normally does. Is her face drooping on one side? Something really doesn’t seem right. I’m really worried. Is she having a stroke? Maybe we should call 9-1-1. Or would it be quicker for me to just […]
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is the greatest risk factor for stroke. Therefore, if you have high blood pressure, managing it can significantly decrease your chances of having a stroke. We see hundreds of people with stroke symptoms each year in WakeMed’s seven adult emergency rooms (ERs). Most of the first-time stroke patients […]
“The medical team saves lives; the rehab team restores lives.” A WakeMed Rehab occupational therapist uses this phrase to help patients and their family members understand the difference between what providers in WakeMed’s acute care hospital and providers in the WakeMed Rehabilitation Hospital do for patients who have suffered a stroke. Making Difficult Decisions About […]
When was the last time you exercised? The Effect of Fitness on the Brain There is well documented research that physical exercise has protective effects against metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Recently, the effects of exercise and the benefits to healthy brain aging has received more attention as well. The exact mechanisms for how and under […]
September is Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is one of the most common types of heart rhythm disorders, and it can happen to anyone. It’s characterized by an irregular heartbeat, which occurs when the heart muscles fail to contract in a strong, rhythmic way. Why is this a big deal? When your heart enters into […]
