Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are injuries that occur after some type of external trauma to the brain. Incidents like car accidents, sports injuries and falls are common causes for TBIs, a fact that makes them far more common than you might think. They’re also far more debilitating than you might think, too. In fact, …
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 »
It accounts for more than a quarter of all ischemic, or clot-related strokes. It increases your risk of having such a stroke fivefold. And, maybe most shockingly, for many people, having a stroke is the first time they learn they may be experiencing it. It’s a cardiac condition called atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as …
How controlling AFib can help you prevent a 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 »
If you or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms, it’s time to get to the emergency department—ASAP. That’s because if there’s a blood clot in the brain, the longer the blood flow and oxygenation to the brain are affected, the sooner that tissue can die. When stroke physicians say, “time is brain,” their goal …
What to expect when you go to the ED with stroke symptoms Read More »