Stroke Center Educational Information
The Emory MBNA Stroke Center is dedicated to providing health information and education about strokes and related disorders to the Atlanta community, the region and the nation. The Emory Stroke Center provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with all types of neurovascular disorders. The following are typical types of stroke and conditions that cause stroke:
- Ischemic Stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel within the brain tissue is clogged, typically by a blood clot, (also called a cerebral embolism or thrombus). Over 80% of all cases of stroke are ischemic.
- Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are minor or warning strokes that may indicate the possibility of a major ischemic stroke. Although TIAs usually clear up naturally and are short-lived, a TIA should be taken very seriously and medical attention should be sought immediately for future stroke prevention.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke or Cerebral Hemorrhage is caused by the rupture of a weakened blood vessel in the brain. The vessel then bleeds into the surrounding area and compresses the tissue.
- Carotid Stenosis is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries (in the neck), as a result of a build-up of plaque or fatty materials. This blockage prevents adequate blood flow to the brain.
- An Aneurysm is a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel that "balloons." There is a high risk of aneurysms rupturing and bleeding into the brain or space around the brain.
- Vascular Malformations: abnormal clusters of blood vessels that occur in the brain or spinal cord. These abnormal tangles of vessels often bleed into the brain causing a cerebral hemorrhage.
Web Links
Further information about strokes can be found by linking to the following websites:
The National Stroke Association
www.stroke.org
303-649-9299 or 1-800-STROKES (787-6537)
The American Stroke Association
www.strokeassociation.org
1-888-4STROKE (478-7653)
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
www.ninds.nih.gov
