Stroke

Estimates are that about 80% of strokes are preventable. At Advanced Vascular Surgery throughout Michigan, the team of highly skilled experts evaluate and treat conditions that put you at risk of having a stroke. Are you at risk of having a stroke? Schedule a consultation by calling Advanced Vascular Surgery or booking an appointment online today. 

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when there’s a blockage in oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells die, leading to brain damage, disability, or death. 

A stroke is a medical emergency. Though symptoms vary, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a severe headache, or trouble seeing are signs of a stroke.

If you or someone you love is having a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. 

Strokes are preventable. The team at Advanced Vascular Surgery can evaluate your blood vessels to determine if you’re at risk and provide treatments that might prevent a stroke.

What conditions put me at risk of having a stroke?

A number of health conditions put you at risk of having a stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Venous and vascular conditions that put you at risk include:

Carotid artery disease 

Carotid artery disease occurs when the major arteries in the neck become narrowed or blocked, affecting blood flow to the brain. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD is similar to carotid artery disease but affects the peripheral arteries in the extremities. 

Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is a ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain that may leak or burst.

Blood clotting disorder

Blood clots may travel to the arteries that supply blood to the brain, blocking blood flow. 

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

AVMs are poorly formed arteries or veins in the brain that may burst open. 

What happens during a stroke evaluation?

The team at Advanced Vascular Surgery conducts a thorough exam when you come in for a stroke evaluation. They review your medical and family history and perform a physical exam.

They may also request diagnostic testing to look for stroke risk factors, such as blood work to check for high cholesterol or diabetes. The team may also do a vascular ultrasound, CT scan, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to look for narrowing or blockages in your arteries.

What treatments can prevent a stroke?

The team customizes your stroke prevention plan based on your risk factors. Your plan may include:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Getting regular exercising
• Managing your weight
• Smoking cessation
• Taking disease-specific medication

The skilled team of board-certified vascular surgeons at Advanced Vascular Surgery may also recommend procedures to improve blood flow to the brain, such as carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty and stenting.

Schedule your stroke evaluation by calling Advanced Vascular Surgery or booking an appointment online today.