Neurological Conditions

Anybody can have a stroke, but certain factors place a person at higher risk. Some factors that increase the risk of stroke cannot be changed, while others are linked to lifestyle. Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed Some risk factors for stroke cannot be changed: Age – The older a person gets, the greater the risk […]

A stroke is a medical emergency, regardless of whether it is a major stroke or a short-lasting TIA. A person suffering a stroke should be taken immediately to a hospital emergency department. The ability to pinpoint quickly the precise location of a stroke and determine the extent of damage is critically important in treatment decisions. A

A stroke affects different people in different ways. While some people make a full recovery, others may find that some problems do persist. These may include: Speech changes Vision changes Memory and concentration difficulties Paralysis Weakness and stiffness Difficulty eating and swallowing Mood changes Difficulties with personal relationships Other challenges Speech Changes Some people have

Many people begin to recover from a stroke almost immediately after it has occurred. The recovery process is most rapid in the first three months after a stroke, but improvement will continue for six months or a year. Many stroke survivors report that they slowly continue to regain function for years after their brain attack.

The best way to prevent stroke is to reduce your risk factors and take control of your own health: Lower your cholesterol level if it is elevated – some people can do this by modifying diet; others need to take medication. Lowering cholesterol levels has been proven by researchers to reduce the risk of stroke. For

Today, the outlook for people who have had a brain attack is more hopeful than ever before. Because of advances in treatment and rehabilitation, many people can return to a fulfilling life. A stroke survivor’s family plays a vital role in recovery. Family members need to understand what the person is going through, what to

Here are some frequently asked questions related to stroke. Q: Can a stroke just happen out of the blue? A: A stroke, which also is referred to as a “brain attack,” often does happen without any prior warning. However, the conditions that lead to a stroke have usually been present for many years. Maintaining the healthiest

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to stroke. A brain attack or stroke happens when a part of the brain is damaged by a change in blood flow. This change can happen if something blocks the flow of blood to the brain or if a blood vessel bursts and causes

Here are definitions of medical terms related to stroke. Aneurysm: An abnormal, balloon-like bulging of the wall of an artery. The bursting of an aneurysm in a brain artery or blood vessel causes a hemorrhagic stroke. Anticoagulant agents: Drugs used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing. They work by interfering with the production of blood

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on stroke. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)  http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ National Stroke Association  Phone: 303-649-9299 Phone: 1-800-STROKES (787-6537) http://www.stroke.org/ Find links to products and services for stroke survivors and caregivers, self-screening techniques to detect a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (which is a leading stroke risk

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressive condition resulting from a deficiency in the brain of a chemical called dopamine. This deficiency interrupts messages from the brain to the muscles. Parkinson’s disease produces shaking of the body and limbs, slowness and difficulty beginning

Here are definitions of medical terms related to Parkinson’s disease. Acetylcholine: A chemical which acts as a chemical messenger. An imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine results in some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Akinesia: Absence of movement Allograft: Cells taken from one person to transplant into another person (such as using a human fetus for a human brain cell