Stroke Care Clinic in Edinburg and Mission, TX

A stroke is a dangerous medical emergency that must be treated right away. It happens when a portion of the brain’s blood flow is cut off or disrupted, which damages brain tissue by depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Strokes can be classified into three main types: transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), hemorrhagic strokes, and ischemic strokes.

• The most prevalent kind, ischemic stroke, is caused by a clot obstructing a brain blood artery. This can happen in an artery that has already constricted due to atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque.

• Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, are less common but more fatal. They happen when a cerebral blood vessel bursts or leaks, allowing blood to seep into the brain.

• Finally, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient period of stroke-like symptoms brought on by a reduction in blood flow to the brain.
It is sometimes seen as a warning indication of a future stroke.

A skilled health provider can accurately diagnose different types of strokes and administer appropriate treatments. Understanding the unique causes, effects, and treatment requirements of each stroke type, they stress the importance of recognizing symptoms promptly and seeking immediate medical attention to minimize brain damage and potential complications.

After someone experiences a stroke, it’s essential to take the right steps to support their recovery:

1. Get Emergency Medical Help Immediately: The first action should be to call emergency services without delay. Swift medical intervention is critical, as early treatment can significantly reduce the extent of brain damage.

2. Adhere to Medical Guidelines: Once stabilized, it’s important to follow all instructions from healthcare providers. This may involve taking medications to prevent further strokes, undergoing physical therapy to restore movement, and participating in speech therapy if communication has been affected.

3. Create a Safe and Supportive Home Environment: Modify the home to make it safer and more accessible, reducing risks of falls by installing grab bars or removing obstacles that could cause tripping.

4. Support Rehabilitation Efforts: Encourage regular participation in prescribed therapy exercises, which are essential for regaining strength and improving function. Consistent practice is crucial for effective recovery.

5. Watch for Any Complications: Be vigilant for signs of complications, such as changes in mobility, speech, or mood, and report any concerns to the healthcare team promptly.

6. Promote Healthy Habits: Help the individual adopt a healthier lifestyle to lower the risk of another stroke. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining a nutritious diet, controlling blood pressure, and managing stress effectively.

7. Provide Emotional Support: Recovery isn’t just physical; emotional well-being is also vital. Offer patience and understanding and consider seeking counseling or joining support groups to help them cope with the emotional impacts of a stroke.

At Catalyst Medical Group, our team of experts focuses on helping stroke patients recover by emphasizing lifestyle changes. These include quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining controlled blood pressure. Regular exercise and medication adherence are also key components of recovery.

We advise limiting alcohol, caffeine, and avoiding illegal substances, as these can increase stroke risk by raising blood pressure and causing other harmful effects. We also recommend avoiding strenuous activities in hot environments to prevent heat-related complications.

Monitoring symptoms closely and seeking prompt medical attention is essential to preventing another stroke. Regular check-ups and careful medication management are also crucial. Following medical advice is vital for long-term recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke – face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911 (using the FAST acronym) – is an integral part of stroke protocol.

While waiting for medical help, it is encouraged to keep the patient calm, monitor their vital signs like pulse and breathing rate, and ensure their comfort. Once the medical team is on the scene, they will commence treatment based on the type of stroke and its severity.

For hemorrhagic strokes, which occur due to a rupture or leak in the blood vessels of the brain, procedures are taken to stop the bleeding or reduce pressure on the brain. Alongside, blood pressure also needs to be controlled, as high blood pressure can exacerbate brain damage. Medications may be given to cautiously lower blood pressure and prevent seizures.

Oxygen therapy will be provided to improve blood flow to the brain and closely monitor the patient’s neurological status, which includes level of consciousness, speech, and motor function, to guide treatment decisions.

Constant monitoring of the patient’s heart rate and oxygen levels occurs during treatment. Measures are also taken to prevent complications like pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and pressure ulcers.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for timely intervention. One of the most common indicators is sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, which can affect the face, arm, or leg. This may be accompanied by a sudden onset of confusion, making it difficult to speak clearly or understand what others are saying. Vision problems are also a key symptom, where you might experience sudden blurred or double vision in one or both eyes. Dizziness, loss of coordination, or difficulty walking can signal a stroke, as can a severe, abrupt headache with no known cause. These symptoms require immediate medical attention, as early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage or complications.

At Catalyst Medical Group, Dr. Bhadriraju and her team are equipped to evaluate patients presenting with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unusual behavior, or facial drooping. They also pay critical attention to other signs such as an uneven smile, difficulty lifting an arm, or leg weakness. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. e serve patients from Edinburg TX, McAllen TX, San Juan TX, Alamo TX, Pharr TX, Palmhurst TX, Mission TX, Alton TX and Palmview TX.