Strokes

Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC

Vascular Surgery, Wound Care, and Podiatry located throughout Maryland and Newark, DE

Strokes are life-changing and sometimes fatal; the sooner you receive expert treatment, the more likely you will have a positive outcome. If you're concerned about your stroke risk or need post-stroke care, the board-certified specialists at Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, can help. Their expertise can help reduce your risk of stroke and optimize your recovery after a stroke. The practice has locations in Bel Air, Baltimore, Towson, Westminster, Elkton, Frederick, Ellicott City, Hampstead, Abingdon, Columbia, Lutherville, Severna Park, MD, Wilmington, and Newark, DE. For expert stroke care, call your nearest office to schedule a consultation or book online today.

Strokes Q & A

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when something interrupts the blood supply to your brain. Without the oxygen and nutrients that blood provides, your brain cells quickly start to die, resulting in brain damage. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment to prevent long-term disability or death.

Some people experience mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are less serious strokes. TIAs result from a temporary problem with blood flow to your brain but don't result in permanent brain damage.

However, TIAs are a warning sign that you're at risk of having a stroke, so you should still get urgent medical attention. TIA symptoms are similar to those of stroke but less severe; if you develop signs of a stroke or TIA or someone you're with seems to be having a stroke, call 911 without delay.

Are there different types of strokes?

There are two types of strokes:

Ischemic strokes

Ischemic strokes result from an arterial blockage, typically in the carotid artery that delivers blood to your brain. Blockages are usually a result of atherosclerosis – a build-up of plaque (a sticky substance made of cholesterol) in your arteries.

Hemorrhagic strokes

Hemorrhagic strokes involve bleeding in the brain and are less common than ischemic strokes.

What symptoms do strokes cause?

Strokes can cause a variety of symptoms that may include:

Sudden numbness or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg
Drooping of one side of your face
Problems speaking or slurred speech
Difficulties understanding other people
Confusion
Blurred vision
Sudden, severe headache
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and loss of balance
Difficulties walking

The more quickly treatment begins following a stroke, the more likely you will survive and any complications will be less severe.

What treatments are available for ischemic strokes?

Treating ischemic strokes involves restoring blood flow to your brain. Surgery might be necessary to lower your risk of having another stroke. Options include balloon angioplasty with a stent to open up the affected artery and carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque build-up.

For expert stroke prevention and rehabilitation, call Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, or book an appointment online today.

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