What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to the brain.  Most strokes occur from a blockage within the blood vessel.  The underlying condition for this type of obstruction is the development of fatty deposits lining the vessel walls. This condition is called atherosclerosis.

TIAs, transient ischemic attacks, are minor or warning strokes. In a TIA, conditions indicating a stroke are present and the typical stroke warning signs develop. However, the obstruction (blood clot) occurs for a short time and tends to resolve itself through normal mechanisms.

Warning Signs of Stroke

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; blindness in one eye
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above please contact your doctor to get help immediately.

Vascular Associates of Northern Virginia, P.C.

Our Vascular Surgeons:
Robert S. Podolsky, M.D.
Avisesh Sahgal, M.D.