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Stroke

Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc.

Cardiologists & Primary Care Practice located in Baltimore, MD & Pikesville, MD

Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone suffers from a stroke, which is the fifth leading cause of death in the country. Because up to 80% of strokes are preventable, board-certified cardiologist Camellus Ezeugwu, MD, FACC, FACP, PhD, offers innovative stroke treatments and prevention plans at Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. in Pikesville and Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about stroke management by booking an exam online or over the phone today.

Stroke Q & A

What causes a stroke?  

Having a stroke means that the blood supply to part of your brain becomes either partially or completely blocked. This deprives your brain cells of vital oxygen and nutrients they need to thrive. 

Roughly 80% of strokes are ischemic strokes, which occur when the arteries that go to your brain start narrowing or become blocked. This dramatically limits blood flow. Ischemic strokes can stem from blood clots in your brain (thrombus), plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), or a clot or debris fragment that forms elsewhere in your body and travels to your brain (embolic stroke).

Some strokes occur when a blood vessel in your brain is damaged and either leaks or ruptures. This type of stroke, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, can be caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms, or blood thinner medications. 

You can even suffer from a “mini-stroke,” known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). This condition, which causes a temporary decrease in blood flow to your brain, is often caused by a small clot or debris, although no permanent tissue damage occurs. 

How do I know if I am having a stroke?

If you think you’re having a stroke, it’s important to seek immediate emergency medical attention. These are just some of the warning signs of a possible stroke:

  • Facial droop
  • Loss of vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Numbness down an arm
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Stumbling, limping, or dizziness
  • Unsteady gait or loss of balance 

Once you receive any essential emergency intervention you may need, schedule an evaluation at Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. to get started on a stroke management and prevention plan. 

Can I get treatment for a stroke?

Yes. Emergency treatment for stroke involves restoring blood flow to your brain as quickly as possible. You may need strong clot-busting medications given intravenously, or emergency surgery to restore blood flow and repair damaged veins. 

Because many of the risk factors for stroke are the same for heart disease — high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol, to name a few — Dr. Ezeugwu is likely going to get you started on a comprehensive lifestyle change management plan to improve your overall health. This may include:

  • Physical therapy  
  • Exercise planning 
  • Dietary counseling 
  • Smoking cessation
  • Occupational therapy 
  • Weight loss management
  • Blood-thinner medications (anticoagulants)

Dr. Ezeugwu can even partner with your neurologist to ensure you’re receiving comprehensive care to reduce your risk of stroke in the future.

If you’ve suffered from a stroke or are at risk of stroke, book an exam at Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. right away. Schedule either online or over the phone.