Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency affecting blood flow to the brain. It can cause brain damage, disability, and death. At Advanced Medical Care in Brighton Beach (Brooklyn) and Forest Hills (Queens), New York, the highly skilled team of health professionals provides care to patients recovering from a stroke. The team includes neurologists, cardiologists, and physical therapists who work together to create a plan that gets you back to doing the things you love. Call the office nearest you today or schedule a consultation online.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, also called a brain attack or cerebrovascular accident, is a blockage in the blood flow to or through the brain. Without the oxygen the blood brings to the brain, brain cells die within minutes, causing brain damage.

A stroke is a medical emergency, and getting medical treatment right away can prevent severe brain damage or death.

If you or someone you love is having a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What kinds of strokes are there?

The three types of strokes are ischemic, hemorrhagic, and ministroke.

Ischemic stroke

Ischemic strokes are the most common. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot or plaque (fatty deposits that stick to the walls of the blood vessels) that blocks blood flow to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts. Pressure from the leaked blood damages brain cells.

Ministroke

A ministroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a strokelike attack that improves on its own within a few minutes or hours. Though ministrokes are temporary, they’re a warning sign that medical attention is needed.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke symptoms vary and affect each person differently. The American Heart Association (AHA) has developed an acronym — FAST — to help you recognize the early signs of a stroke so that you or your loved one can get help right away.

FAST stands for:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness, tingling, or numbness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

An unexplained headache, vision changes, and confusion are other symptoms to look out for.

You can also suffer a silent stroke that causes minimal damage and symptoms that can go unnoticed. Unexpected arm or leg weakness, confusion, and trouble speaking are some symptoms you can experience with a silent stroke.

What treatments do I need to recover from a stroke?

The Advanced Medical Care team personalizes your stroke recovery plan after completing a thorough evaluation. Your plan aims to help you regain as much independence as possible.

Your stroke treatment plan at Advanced Medical Care can include:

• Lifestyle counseling and management
• Physical therapy
• Medication to manage underlying health conditions
• Procedure to remove plaque from the carotid artery (the main artery to the brain)

Recovery from a stroke takes weeks to months. The team works closely with you, adjusting your plan as your skills improve.

Call Advanced Medical Care or book an appointment online to learn more about stroke care.