Stroke

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, can cause severe damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply and is a medical emergency. At Riverhills Neuroscience, multidisciplinary specialists with the unique skills needed to treat stroke and pre-stroke (TIA) come together, including interventional pain management specialists, neurologists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. There is an office in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, and three Cincinnati, Ohio, offices in Norwood, Anderson, and West Cincinnati, so if you’re struggling with damage caused by stroke, call the one nearest you or click the online contact form to get more information about treatment now., 

Are there different types of stroke?

There are three main types of stroke:

Ischaemic stroke

This type of stroke is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain and is the most common type of stroke. 

Hemorrhagic stroke 

This type is caused by bleeding in or around the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is a mini-stroke, also called pre-stroke. TIA occurs when there is a brief lack of blood flow to the brain and is very similar to a stroke, but signs and symptoms last for a short time. Only a medical professional can diagnose them accurately.

What is the difference between a pre-stroke or mini-stroke and a stroke?

Unlike a stroke, where the clot is permanent and can cause severe damage, pre-stroke symptoms are temporary and fade as soon as blood flow is resumed, usually within 24 hours. 

A stroke can cause severe damage to the brain due to the interruption of blood supply and is a medical emergency.

If you or someone else shows signs of TIA or stroke, call 911 or go to a medical facility that provides emergency care.

What are some signs of a stroke?

Signs and symptoms include:

• Trouble walking
• Speech difficulties (speech loss, slurred speech)
• Inability to understand or mental confusion
• Double vision, blurred vision, or sudden visual loss
• Rapid involuntary eye movement
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness on one side of the body
• Paralysis or numbness of the face, leg, or arm
• Overactive reflexes
• Dizziness or problems with balance
• Headache
• Vertigo

All strokes are different. For some people, the effects may be minor and not last long. Others may be left with more severe problems that make them dependent on other people.

If you or someone else is experiencing the signs and symptoms of stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

Can a neurology specialist detect a stroke?

Riverhills Neuroscience highly skilled neurology specialists use electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain electricity, helping them examine brain activity and detect problems and disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

CT scans can also help identify stroke diagnosis and the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) so that the proper treatment and next steps can be taken.

Stroke prevention, care, and treatment require a multidisciplinary approach. Call Riverhills Neuroscience today or request more information online.