When it comes to stroke, every second counts – that’s why knowing the signs of a stroke and what to do if you think you’re having one is critical. Once you arrive at the hospital with stroke symptoms, it’s important that you get the diagnosis and intervention you need as soon as possible. That’s because […]
Tag: stroke

Introducing Enhanced Care for Stroke Patients
When it comes to stroke, every second counts – that’s why knowing the signs of a stroke and what to do if you think you’re having one is critical. Once you arrive at the hospital, it’s also important that you get the diagnosis and intervention you need as soon as possible. That’s because experts say […]

May is National Stroke Awareness Month
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. […]

Physical Therapy for Vertigo/Dizziness after Stroke
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 […]

BE FAST to Stop a Stroke
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 […]

WakeMed Stroke Team Saving More Lives
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 […]

Learn to Spot the Signs of Stroke
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. […]

Having a Stroke? Here’s Why You Should Call EMS
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 […]

The #1 Thing to Do to Reduce Your Stroke Risk
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 […]

What’s the Right Inpatient Rehab for Mom after Stroke?
“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 […]