A stroke is similar to a heart attack, only it happens in the brain. Strokes occur when narrowed, blocked or burst arteries disrupt blood flow to the brain. Brain cells may begin to die within minutes without the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.

Doctors have new and better ways of diagnosing and treating strokes. But these advances aren't the only cause for optimism.

Researchers have discovered certain traits and characteristics that can increase the risk for strokes. And studies show that addressing some of these risk factors can help prevent strokes.

"Strokes aren't always inevitable," says Ralph Gonzalez, MD, a neurologist and Medical Director of the new Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center at Manatee Memorial Hospital. "People should know their risks and do what they can to reduce that risk because prevention is their best defense against stroke."

Are You at Risk?
There are some risk factors for strokes that you can't do anything about. They include increasing age, male gender, a previous heart attack or stroke, a family history of stroke and African American heritage.

But you can help head off a stroke by controlling, managing or even eliminating the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes or high blood sugar
• Smoking

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Ischemic Strokes
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke; they account for about 80 percent of all strokes. Ischemic strokes typically occur when the blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or blocked.

"Many people don't realize that atherosclerosis -- the process that causes blockages in the blood vessels to the heart -- can also affect arteries in the brain and other parts of the body," says Philip W. Tally, MD, a neurosurgeon and Chief of Staff at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Atherosclerosis can cause plaque to collect on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Over time, the plaque can narrow the vessel enough to block blood flow and cause a stroke. The plaque may also lead to the formation of a blood clot that interrupts blood flow. Some clots stay in place and block the artery. Others break away and travel through the artery until they become lodged.

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Hemorrhagic Strokes
Not all strokes involve blockages. Another common type of stroke -- called a hemorrhagic stroke -- occurs when the blood vessels in the brain weaken, rupture and spill blood into the brain. About 20 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic strokes. Although they're less common than ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes can be more dangerous.

Ministrokes
Some people have ministrokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs. Patients who have TIAs may experience stroke symptoms briefly when narrowed or blocked arteries temporarily disrupt blood flow to the brain. People often dismiss their symptoms because they go away, but that can be a deadly mistake. Without treatment, those who have TIAs are at greater risk for more serious strokes in the future.

Life After a Stroke
The effects of a stroke vary from patient to patient, depending on the amount of brain damage and the area of the brain that is affected. Some people survive strokes and seem to recover fully. But strokes often cause permanent damage that can affect the whole body.

It's not unusual for people who suffer strokes to have lingering problems that can range from mild impairment to severe deficiency. Paralysis, difficulty thinking or speaking, pain and numbness are some of the problems many stroke patients face.

Your Doctor Can Help You Prevent a Stroke
Work with your doctor to manage high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. A healthy diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help control these conditions. You may also need to take medications. And if you smoke, quit. Your doctor can give you advice and recommend strategies to help you kick the habit for good.

Even if you don't have risk factors for strokes now, you should take steps to prevent strokes as early as you can. The risk for strokes increases with age, so eventually we'll all be at greater risk. In addition, our blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers tend to creep higher as we age, which also increases our risk. You can fight these trends by developing healthy habits that will help keep these measures in the healthy range.

Did You Know?

• Each year, about 700,000 Americans experience strokes.
• Strokes kill nearly 163,000 Americans every year.
• A stroke occurs about once every 45 seconds in this country.
• An American dies following a stroke about once every three minutes.
• Strokes are the nation's third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
• Strokes cause nearly one of every 15 deaths in the United States.

Ralph Gonzalez, MD Bradenton Neurology Assoc. 3930 8th Ave. West Bradenton, FL 34205 941-746-3115

Philip W. Tally, MD Neuro/Spinal Associates 6015 Pointe West Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34209 941-794-3118