A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked. This can lead to serious brain damage. Strokes have two possible causes:

• Hemorrhagic: a ruptured blood vessel causing blood leaks in the brain.
• Ischemic: caused by blockage or a clot.

A “mini-stroke” called Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) can cause similar symptoms. Usually, there is no damage, though a TIA can be a sign of a full stroke occurring soon. Boone Hospital Center is a certified stroke center.  With advanced CT and MRI imaging, we are able to quickly diagnose a stroke so treatment can begin immediately. Symptoms:

• Unexplained severe headache.
• Numbness or weakness in face, arms, or legs (especially in one side of the body)
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Trouble comprehending
• Impaired vision
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance and/or coordination

Diagnosing a Stroke: If you think you or a loved one has had a stroke, contact medical professionals as soon as possible. Immediate treatment of a stroke can save your life. Treatment plans are determined by how severe the stroke was. Options Include:

• Clot-busting drugs
• Blood thinners
• Surgery
• Blood flow therapy
• Removing clots and debris
• Balloons and stents to keep the vessels open
• Aneurysm repair

After Treatment: You may have rehab therapy. The therapy will focus on fixing disabilities you may have suffered. Preventing another event is critical, so methods to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes may be used.