BE FAST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Norton Healthcare operates the area\u2019s largest stroke care system and is ready 24\/7 to treat patients. If you are having symptoms of a stroke \u2014 or you are with someone who is \u2014 call 911<\/strong> immediately!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn the BE FAST Symptoms<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n The board-certified and fellowship-trained Norton Neuroscience Institute stroke neurologists work closely with neurosurgeons, cardiologists, electrophysiologists, vascular surgeons, hematologists and others to determine and treat the cause of your stroke. A care plan is developed by this team to treat or manage conditions that can lead to a repeat stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common causes of stroke include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An ischemic stroke (blood clot blocking blood flow in the brain) often can be traced to cardiovascular conditions such as atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis and carotid artery disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treating these underlying conditions can help prevent another stroke. Our stroke neurologists work with the specialists at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute to reduce your stroke risk.<\/p>\n\n\n Strokes seem to hit out of the blue, but they really aren\u2019t a mystery. We have the power to lower our chance. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Patients with atrial fibrillation (A-fib), an irregular heart rhythm, that isn\u2019t caused by a heart valve condition, are at high risk for stroke. In A-fib, the chambers at top of the heart \u2014 the atria \u2014 don\u2019t pump out all the blood, making blot clots more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than 90% of stroke-causing clots that originate in the heart come from the left atrial appendage. This pouch of tissue on the heart serves no known purpose. For many patients, closing the appendage with a minimally invasive left atrial appendage closure procedure<\/a> can reduce their stroke risk and allow them to stop taking blood thinners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carotid artery disease \u2014 a buildup of plaque in the arteries that deliver blood to your brain \u2014 causes an estimated 20% of strokes. Many patients can take advantage of a minimally invasive transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR)<\/a> procedure. TCAR currently is used on patients who may have difficulty with traditional open surgery to remove the plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A stroke typically happens suddenly with no gradual progression that allows for preparation, grieving and coping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many patients will recover quickly and fully from a stroke. Some may have post-stroke conditions such as difficulty swallowing, weakness and paralysis, incontinence, difficulty speaking or understanding, emotional challenges, or poor attention span.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a stroke was on the right side of the brain, there may be left-side weakness, impulsiveness, overconfidence in abilities and vision issues to deal with. A stroke on the left side of the brain can be associated with weakness on the right side of the body, along with difficulty speaking, reading, writing or understanding language, and a cautious behavioral style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers<\/a> offers a number of services to patients recovering from strokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the changes and stress that come with caring for a loved one who has survived a stroke, caregivers and family members also may be at risk for depression, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. Our stroke support groups are for survivors and their family members, friends and caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rehabilitation services at Norton Healthcare<\/a> offer specialized outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy at locations downtown, on the Norton Brownsboro Hospital campus and on the Norton Healthcare \u2013 St. Matthews campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Norton Neuroscience Institute Cressman Neurological Rehabilitation<\/a> on the Norton Brownsboro Hospital campus offers access to some of the most advanced technology and specialized services in one location to help with gait, balance, strength, flexibility, speech, fine motor skills, swallowing, driving, cognition, vision and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Adapted from Intermountain Healthcare. BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST <\/a>model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. Copyright 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana choose Norton Neuroscience Institute than any other provider for expertise, innovation and compassion all in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRead More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Happens After a Stroke?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSymptoms of Stroke \u2014 BE FAST*<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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