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Stroke
A stroke, or brain attack, is a serious and sudden ailment that disrupts blood flow to the brain, causing damage or death to brain cells if not treated quickly. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the nation, and a leading cause of long-term disability
There are two kinds of stroke. In an ischemic stroke, a blood clot in the brain blocks blood flow in an artery or vein. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when a blood vessel or artery in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into the brain.
While both kinds of strokes can cause serious long-term injury, disability or death, treatment for each is very different, making accurate diagnosis crucial to proper care.
Asprin as a Prophylactic for Stroke
Prophylactic Aspirin Therapy
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Screening and Diagnosis
Many of the same diagnostic tools used to diagnose stroke are also used in screening for an increased risk of stroke. Among the diagnostic techniques used for screening are:
• Computerized Tomography (CT) Angiography can detect malformed blood vessels, narrowing of the blood vessels and aneurysms. Regular CT scans can detect a hemorrhagic stroke.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can detect brain tissue damage caused by an ischemic stroke, and can also be used to examine blood vessels in the brain and neck. Carotid Ultrasound testing is used to detect narrowing or obstructions in the carotid arteries, a common precursor to stroke.
• Carotid Ultrasound with TransCranial Doppler is a non-invasive exam of the carotid and vertebral arteries of the neck used to detect narrowing or obstructions, providing crucial information about blood flow to the brain.
• Anti-Platelet Therapy Monitoring measures the effectiveness of common anti-platelet (anti-clotting) drugs to help prevent future strokes or TIAs. Because up to 20% of patients do not achieve the predicted protection from these drugs, we monitor their effectiveness through regular blood tests and consultations with a neuropharmacologist to ensure patients are receiving the desired protection.
Learn More About Stroke
American Stroke Center
www.americanstroke.org
National Stroke Association
www.stroke.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm
Physicians
Vernice Bates, M.D.
J. Maurice Hourihane, M.D.
Neuropharmacologists
Fran M. Gengo, Pharm.D.
Michelle Rainka, Pharm.D.
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