# Stroke

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/neurology-center/stroke-specialist/
- Published: 2023-10-02T16:28:57-04:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

Stroke Treatment

# Stroke Treatment in South Carolina

## Best Stroke Doctors in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC

A stroke is a serious medical emergency that is the leading cause of disability 
in the US and the 5th leading cause of death.  

## **What is a Stroke?**

A stroke is a serious medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to the
brain is disrupted by a clot or a ruptured blood vessel. This prevents oxygen and
nutrients from getting to the brain, causing brain cells to die resulting in disability
or death. If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms of a stroke, seek medical 
attention immediately. 

## **Stroke Symptoms**

Symptoms of a stroke can differ from person to person but the key symptoms to watch
out for are:

 * Sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg on only one side of the body
 * Sudden severe headache without cause
 * Sudden vision problems
 * Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, and an inability to understand others
 * Sudden dizziness without a known cause
 * Trouble walking due to sudden muscle weakness

## **Stroke Treatment**

Your doctor’s approach to treating a stroke varies depending on the type and severity
of the stroke but focuses on restoring the blood flow to the brain and preventing
any further damage or recurring strokes. There are two phases to treating a stroke;
actively restoring blood flow to the brain and then rehabilitation after the emergency
has passed. If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms of a stroke, seek immediate
medical attention:

 * Thrombolytic drugs can dissolve the blood clogs and restore blood flow to the
   brain.
 * Surgical intervention may be necessary in the case of a hemorrhagic stroke to
   repair the damaged blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
 * A procedure called mechanical thrombectomy that involves the removal of the blood
   clot using a catheter, often an option if thrombolytic drugs are unsuccessful.

 

## **What Causes a Stroke?**

Strokes are unfortunately very common, and can be caused by a blood clot or when
plaque buildup in an artery blocks the flow of blood to part of the brain. This 
is called an ischemic stroke. Another cause of stroke happens when a blood vessel
in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic
stroke. Common risk factors for strokes are high blood pressure, smoking, family
history of stroke, clotting disorders, diabetes and obesity. 

## **How to Prevent Stroke**

The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented. As strokes can have devastating
after effects for patients and their families, prevention is crucial. Here are the
ways you can help prevent a stroke:

 * Manage your risk factors including gaining control of your high blood pressure
   and maintaining a healthy weight and diet.
 * Get regular exercise to improve your cardiovascular health.
 * Quit smoking as smoking increases your risk of strokes.
 * Limit your alcohol intake as excessive alcohol intake can increase your blood
   pressure and contribute to a risk of stroke. 
 * Visit your primary care provider for regular checkups and screenings to identify
   risk factors early.

## **Stroke Diagnosis:**

A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms
of a stroke seek immediate medical attention. Diagnosing a stroke is a time-sensitive
process as early intervention can improve your outcome significantly. Your doctor
may order the following diagnostic tests:

 * Physical exam to assess your neurological function by checking for signs of weakness,
   confusion, difficulty speaking, and loss of coordination.
 * A CT scan to identify the type of stroke, allowing for appropriate treatment 
   decisions. 
 * An MRI to assess the extent of the affected area in your brain.
 * Blood tests to determine the underlying cause of the stroke such as high cholesterol
   or a clotting disorder. 

## **Stroke Treatment in South Carolina**

Our [neurologists](https://carolinaona.com/physicians-staff/) here at CONA are here
to help if you or a loved one has suffered the after effects of a stroke.

## **MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A NEUROLOGIST**

If you or a family member is struggling to recover from a stroke we here at the 
CONA Neurology Department can help. Consult your primary care physician or family
doctor for a referral to one of our Neurology Specialists. Appointments are available
by referral only. We serve patients from Spartanburg, SC, Duncan, SC, and Greenville,
SC.