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What are Signs of Stroke

Strokes are more common in people than you know and they can happen at almost any time. In order to reduce the risk of a person experiencing a stroke we must understand signs to help us be aware. While we cannot fully prevent a stroke from happening, we can control one from surprising us without warning. Understanding signs of stroke can help you catch it much earlier. 

What Causes A Stroke

Different types of stroke are dependent on the part of the brain that is being affected. The two types of blood supply loss in the brain is ischemic and hemorrhagic. The loss of blood ultimately affects parts of your body to stop working which also tells you what kind of stroke a person is having.

The occurrence of an artery in the brain being blocked, preventing oxygen and blood to reach the brain is called ischemic stroke or referred to as clots. Blockage can be caused by cholesterol buildup otherwise known as plaque. Plaques are dangerous because if they rupture, that is what causes a clot to form and prevent blood from passing through to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke many experience.

Hemorrhagic strokes also referred to bleeds are caused by blood vessels leaking into the brain tissue which causes the brain cells to stop working. This type of stroke can be caused by having high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause the wall of your artery to weaken over time which can cause strokes, aneurysms, and more types of damage.

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Being aware of common warning signs ensures that the person experiencing a strong has as little damage as possible. Upon noticing these signs, it is important to call 911 immediately. In some cases, strokes may not be as obvious and can pass within a small time frame, however, this is not a sign to ignore. This is when you seek help from a Las Vegas Neurologist for further diagnosis and guidance. Ignoring something like this can lead to a more permanent and damaging experience the next time it happens. 

Be sure to pay attention to:

  • Blurred vision or impaired vision of some sort
  • Confusion and trouble with speech
  • Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Numbing of the body – especially your face, arms or legs
  • Constant headaches

How You Can Help

As we mentioned above, your prior knowledge and awareness of common warning signs of stroke can help someone when it is crucial. It is critical to be quick as someone experiences a stroke. Once you have a better understanding of what can cause a stroke and common symptoms of a stroke, you can then take better action in the event that it occurs.

  • Call 911 immediately if you notice signs of stroke. In order to ensure they are in the best possible care regardless of the severity, you must not hesitate to seek help. If not, the condition can worsen. By doing so, you improve the person’s chances of recovery.
  • Offer Support towards this person. Stoke experiences can be harmful but it is important to offer your support to the individual and be there as help is on the way. Sometimes, the body can’t control what is happening. You must be there there to ensure this individual’s safety.
  • Stay as calm as possible. In the moment, we can be come frantic and often not know what to do. it’s important to remember to breathe and reassure the individual that help is on the way and that everything will be okay. This not only helps you but the individual to feel less stressed during the incident. 
  • Always be prepared. It can be difficult to focus on other things while a stroke is occurring. Do your best to remember the details of the event so that you are able to relay the information to the experienced Las Vegas Neurologist. Be sure to take note of the symptoms you notices and the details of the setting, event before the stroke occurred. If you are closely related to the individual, be sure to know any current medications they may be taking. 

Prevention

Prevention is the best treatment for reducing your risk factors of stroke. Strokes are life threatening. Your awareness for what can cause it and prevent it can save your life. Preventive care means keeping a close eye on your cholesterol intake, diabetes and smoking. Keeping all three under control can help with preventing blood clots that lead to ischemic strokes. Blood pressure should be controlled with simple lifestyle changes including exercise, good weight and cutting back on a few foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. To learn more, contact Silver State Neurology and we can help you tackle all your questions and concerns.

Knowing the signs of stroke can help many people. you can make a difference by sharing this information with someone who knows very little when it comes to this experience. To ensure everyone’s best possible outcome with experiencing strokes, be prepared, share it with those around you and don’t be afraid to seek more information from your Neurology clinic in Las Vegas.

The Best Ways to Relieve Headache Pain

There’s never a warning. It just happens. Your head starts pounding, and it’s debilitating. You have difficulty performing your daily activities, because it becomes too challenging to function at your best. While you may look the same on the outside, suffering from headache pain is never an easy feat. Today, it is a common occurrence in adults, affecting a third of men and over half of women. Headaches are caused by a number of reasons—stress, dehydration, neurological conditions, blood clots, and more. While causes of headaches can sometimes be unknown, they can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. If you’re concerned about your headaches, it is ideal to see a neurologist. The best neurologists are devoted to the field of neurology and have a lot of experience in practice. If your headaches are not as severe or you’re simply waiting to seek relief before your next appointment, these helpful tips may be relevant to you:

• Hydration

A lot of people don’t realize that headaches are a common side effect of dehydration. If you think about it, your brain is made up of nearly 80% water. It’s no wonder why it can become difficult to concentrate when you haven’t had enough water. Studies have revealed that headache pain can be reduced in dehydrated individuals within 30 minutes to three hours after proper hydration. Foods that are rich in water can also help you stay hydrated: spinach, watermelon, strawberries, soups, and yogurt. When your brain doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to function, it will be difficult for you yourself to function.

• Aromatherapy

Essential oils and specific scents have been used as natural remedies for centuries. Some well-known oils and scents for relieving headaches include lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. You can get an essential oil diffuser for your cubicle, use a room freshening spray at home, or apply essential oils on your wrists and temples throughout the day to help relieve headache pain.

• Rest

Sleep deprivation can be very damaging to your health, so, it’s important to follow a regular sleep schedule and get an adequate amount of rest every single night. When you’re feeling headache pain, take a moment to lie down and minimize the noise around you. Close your eyes in a dark and quiet room, and give yourself a second to zone out. A lot of your days may be hectic, so it’s crucial to find a moment to catch your breath. Try to relax and loosen up different areas of your body. Spend a few minutes resting or take a power nap. These simple remedies can help prevent your headache pain from getting progressively worse.

• Proper diet

Every doctor will suggest you to watch what you are eating and drinking. It is best to limit consuming foods and products that trigger headaches such as caffeine and alcohol. It is also crucial to eat regularly and never skip meals. Some people who suffer from headaches experience them because of low blood sugar levels which can occur through skipping meals or not eating enough food throughout the day. The best way to combat this is to ensure you eat several meals a day and incorporate a good amount of fruits and vegetables.

• Breathing exercises

Breathing deeply allows the body to calm the mind. By inhaling and exhaling slowly and repeatedly, you allow the muscles in your body to relax. You focus on that one task which can help detract from other stressors that may be causing your headache in the first place. Mindful meditation is a great way to relieve physical pain. It promotes the thickening of cell layers within the brain and is actually one of the most effective remedies for various types of headaches.

• Reduce stress

Try your best to take a step away from what is causing you stress. If your work environment is too stressful, see if you can leave early or enjoy lunch outside of the office. If your home environment is too stressful, ask your family members to help you around the house or take on some of your responsibilities. The more stress you experience in your daily life, the more headaches are likely to occur. Take a break from life’s stressful situations and adapt relaxing hobbies such as gardening, yoga, crafts, or reading. Worry less and reduce your physical tension.

Even with these helpful pain-relieving tips, it is also important to report your symptoms to your doctor. Headaches can be a sign of illness, allergies, hormonal imbalance, or neurological conditions; home remedies may only temporarily relieve your headache pain. Get the right treatment for your headaches by seeing a neurologist at Silver State Neurology which specializes in treating, diagnosing, and managing disorders of the brain and the nervous system. Silver State Neurology has a great staff full of hardworking individuals that strive to diagnose and treat your condition to the best of their abilities.

American Heart Month – Heart Health Awareness

February is American Heart Month, a time for our Las Vegas neurologist to remind people to focus on their hearts and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. About 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease every day, which averages to 1 death every 38 seconds. Globally, it remains the leading cause of death at more than 17.9 million deaths every year. With your help, our Las Vegas neurology clinic needs to change that!

Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease

A new study from Denmark has found that people who experience migraines may be more likely to develop heart problems. This is not the first study to suggest a link between migraines and the risk of stroke and heart attack. Although migraines are considered primarily a headache disorder, there are several reasons why migraines may be tied to cardiovascular problems. The sudden constriction of blood vessels in the brain that leads to migraines may make a person more vulnerable to stroke. If you suffer from migraines, it could be more serious than a headache. Contact our neurologist in Las Vegas during American Heart Month to see how we can help.

Sleep disorders are common among stroke survivors. Those associated with stroke include sleep apnea, parasomnia, and restless leg syndrome. Conversely, people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes to die in their sleep. Sleep disorders should not be ignored. At our neurology clinic in Las Vegas, we can diagnose and treat your sleep disorders to improve your health even after American Heart Month.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

The good news? Heart disease is one of the most preventable causes of death. Our Las Vegas neurology practice encourages you to take charge of your health! Starting this American Heart Month, commit to a healthy lifestyle, and make these small changes for a lifetime of good heart health.

  • Make an appointment with your Las Vegas doctor to discuss your heart health. Even if you’re not sick, schedule regular check-ups. Set goals for improving your health, ask questions, and trust their advice.
  • Prepare heart-healthy meals from scratch at home at least 3 times each week. Watch your sodium! To make your favorite recipe lower sodium, replace the salt with fresh or dried herbs and spices.
  • If you are a smoker, quitting can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Take steps to quit smoking. You can learn more at CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco Use website.
  • Get active! Add exercise to your daily routine little by little. Even walking will help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Start slow and increase your frequency and intensity over time.
  • Take your prescriptions as directed. Do not discount blood pressure and cholesterol medicines. Ask your doctor in Las Vegas for help if you’re having trouble taking your medication.

Visit the Heart Health Foundation to learn more ways you can help this American Heart Month!

Flu Season Safety Tips: 2018 Flu Season

Flu season safety is of utmost importance right now. This year’s flu season is quite a deadly one. Influenza is all over the continental United States. Roughly 9.1 percent of all deaths in the US are due to flu and pneumonia, which is a common complication of the flu. Those most at risk during the 2018 flu season are children and the elderly.

Our Las Vegas neurologist knows that all parts of patient care are important. Every person at this neurology clinic in Las Vegas is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of care. You can learn more about our Las Vegas neurology practice here! We want to help prevent the spread of flu. So, here are Silver State Neurology’s top flu season safety tips!

Practice basic personal hygiene

We wash our hands often at our Las Vegas neurology clinic. One of the most effective flu season safety methods is washing your hands frequently. Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing liquid. You should be using enough liquid to cover all surfaces of your hands. It is especially important to clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. This will help protect you and others during flu season.

Get the flu shot

Is it too late to get the flu shot? No, it isn’t too late to do anything for flu season safety. Though the best time to get the flu shot is in October, the flu season can last all the way through May. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, getting the flu shot can still protect you from getting sick or passing the virus to someone else. Take note that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to create antibodies that can protect against the flu.

Vaccination of people at high risk of serious flu complications is especially important to decrease severe flu illness. That includes young children 6 months or older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions, and anyone 65 years or older. If you have any questions, contact us! Our neurologist in Las Vegas is more than happy to help.

Stay home if you’re sick

If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu by a Las Vegas doctor, staying at home will keep other people healthy. Sick adults shouldn’t go to work, and sick children shouldn’t go to school. Taking time off to rest will also help speed recovery. In the meantime, anyone who is ill needs to stay hydrated and well-rested. The CDC recommends that those who are ill stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have any flu symptoms.

Keep surfaces clean

Common surfaces that are frequently touched must be kept clean. Regularly wipe down shared work spaces and equipment like copy machines, computers, and phones. Don’t forget to stop the spread of flu at home! Focus on cleaning surfaces like doorknobs, television remotes, and faucets. Bacteria can survive on these surfaces the longest. At our Las Vegas neurology office, we emphasize vigilance in keeping our environment clean. We employ this flu season safety tip every day.

Avoid touching your nose and eyes

There’s a common misunderstanding that the flu is spread by sharing food and drinks with sick people. However, the virus is actually spread by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. That’s because saliva doesn’t carry that much of the flu virus, and our stomachs have defenses to kill any viruses present. We’re much more susceptible to viruses that enter through the nose and eyes. For best flu season safety, our neurology office in Las Vegas recommends keeping your hands away from your face altogether.

Practice good health habits

An immune system that is already compromised will have a harder time fighting the flu. So, keep up a healthy lifestyle as much as possible for flu season safety. A healthy immune system is better equipped to withstand infection. Get adequate rest, eat healthy, and exercise. Bonus: moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, is a proven immunity booster. If you have any other health concerns, consult our Las Vegas neurology doctor.

Flu symptoms to watch out for:

  • Fever, feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common among children than adults)