According to the American Heart Association (AHA), someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds. As a vascular surgeon, I see a large percentage of people who are either on the verge of experiencing a stroke or have had a stroke already. Strokes are often debilitating and can be fatal—but many times, they’re …
TCAR: A minimally invasive approach to reduce your chance of stroke Read More »
There is nothing worse than a headache—unless it’s the dull ache and throbbing pain of a migraine. At least 45 million Americans live with migraines, estimates the American Migraine Foundation. A migraine headache, which can last for hours or sometimes days, causes intense throbbing pain in one or more areas of the head and usually comes …
If you or someone around you was experiencing a stroke, could you spot the signs? A stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die. Knowing the early warning signs of this medical emergency can be the difference between life and death, recovery or disability. …
Do you know the warning signs of a stroke? Act F.A.S.T. Read More »
The most common conditions that contribute to stroke risk are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes—the same culprits that can raise your risk of heart disease. So, it makes sense that managing these chronic conditions is key to stroke prevention. But because these diseases are often “silent,” not everyone is motivated to …
Stroke prevention: Why medications and lifestyle both matter Read More »
Your brown eyes, your curly hair, your love of a good story. You get a lot from your family. But unfortunately, many people also get a higher risk of stroke. Family history of stroke—meaning that you have a first-degree relative who has experienced either an ischemic (clotting) or hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke or an aneurysm—can increase …
Family history of stroke? Here’s how to lower your risk Read More »
Most people know that if they’re experiencing stroke symptoms, time matters. But not everyone knows that where you go matters, too. There are four levels of care for stroke centers. Let’s talk about the kind of care provided at each in the event of a stroke emergency. What is a Comprehensive Stroke Center? According to …
What it means to be a Comprehensive Stroke Center (and why it matters) Read More »
As Chief Nursing Officer for Baylor Scott & White – College Station Region, Amber Reed, MBA, BSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, isn’t used to being the one whose life is on the line. She shares her story now as both a word of caution for others to take care themselves and as a token of gratitude …
In addition to potentially leaving you with long-term neurological deficits, having a stroke also increases the risk of having another one—significantly. One in four people who have a stroke experience a second stroke, according to the American Stroke Association. To avoid that second stroke and protect brain cells, stroke prevention is key. But to prevent …
How to reduce your risk of having a second stroke Read More »
BE FAST is more than just an acronym to help you identify symptoms of stroke—it’s also a major clue to the type of symptoms you should never ignore. The mnemonic BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Although there are some common stroke symptoms that could have other causes, it’s the sudden …
3 subtle stroke symptoms you should never ignore Read More »
Throbbing pain. Sensitivity to light. Nausea. Auras. For the 30 million people in the United States who experience migraines on a regular basis, they aren’t just a nuisance. They can interfere with your life and keep you from doing the things you love. They also could be a sign that you’re at an increased risk …
Migraines? It could be a sign of increased stroke risk Read More »