Stroke

Migraines: A Real Big Pain In The Head

Let’s face it – migraines hurt.

Carotid Artery Screening: Serious Test or Serious Scam?

I received a flyer in the mail last week about a stroke/carotid artery screening (plus several other heart tests) for the low price of $139. I didn’t pay too much attention to it until two patients brought in the same exact flyer wanting to know if they should do it and get the screening.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Mimics Stroke

Five years ago, I thought I was having a stroke.

I certainly had some of the symptoms. I was having trouble talking and understanding speech. I had numbness in my face and body, dizziness, and vertigo. I became increasingly disoriented. And the doctor found that my blood pressure had shot disconcertingly high.

Stroke! Recognizing the Signs

You're an energetic woman in your mid-fifties, fit and in vibrant health. Life is good. You're out for lunch with a friend and as you sip your tea, you begin to experience chest pain, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. You wonder if you're having a heart attack.

Stroke! The Brief Window for Diagnosis and Treatment

It's not unusual for a woman having a stroke to be misdiagnosed as having a heart attack. Some symptoms women experience during a stroke certainly appear similar to cardiac distress. The knowledge of this fact doesn't help when you are the woman having the stroke, as the window for early treatment slowly closes.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Happy Anniversary You're Going to the Hospital, Part 2

I didn't know before that there are many different steps involved in a conversation. On my 25th wedding anniversary, the day I thought I was having a stroke, I learned there are a good half dozen or more.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome : Happy Anniversary, You're Going to the Hospital Part 1

On my 25th wedding anniversary, I thought I was having a stroke.

I felt like I was in a dark tunnel. I felt like I was disappearing. I could feel it happening and couldn't stop it. Terrifying.

Strokes— Statistics and Prevention

In order of predominance, the leading causes of death in the U.S. are (1) cancer (2) cardiovascular disease and (3) stroke. The main cause of strokes are blocked carotid arteries (80%) and more than half of the people who have strokes have absolutely no symptoms prior to stroke onset.