Stroke is brain damage from interruption of its blood supply. More than 200,000 U. S. citizens suffer from stroke every year! Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. A stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking, and understanding, as well as paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg. Early treatment with medications like tPA (clot buster) can minimize brain damage. Other treatments focus on limiting complications and preventing additional strokes.

Symptoms of stroke include:

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, located on one side of the body

• Confusion or trouble understanding

• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden and severe headache with no obvious cause

Again if you think you are having a stroke you should go immediately to an emergency room. Dr. Whiteley is experienced in treatment of patients recovering from stroke.

If you have had a past stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemia Attack) as your family physician Dr. Whiteley can customize your rehabilitation care plan to meet your personal needs and customize lifestyle recommendations and medications to help prevent a future stroke.