According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., killing more than 129,000 Americans each year.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This is caused when a blockage occurs in one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke). Even a brief interruption in blood supply can cause problems, as brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. With the death of brain cells, a loss of brain function occurs. This may include impaired ability with movement, speech, thinking and memory, bowel and bladder, eating, emotional control and other vital body functions. A temporary disruption of flow to the brain is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), in which symptoms may occur for a short period of time. A TIA should be considered as a warning for an impending stroke.
Treating cardiovascular disease and its risk factors are critical to stroke prevention. The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, part of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center, is a world leader in heart disease prevention and treatment. For almost a century, our specialists have been delivering the most innovative and comprehensive care for patients with complex disorders of the heart, blood vessels and circulation. Our cardiovascular services span the entire spectrum of patient care, ranging from cardiovascular disease prevention and detection to pharmacologic and interventional treatment. We offer patients personalized care and expertise that includes ongoing communication and education throughout treatment, outpatient care and follow-up.
For patients who are experiencing stroke symptoms, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Brigham and Women's Hospital is a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), a designation granted to a select number of centers in the United States with the specific ability to treat the most complex stroke cases. Specialists at our Department of Neurology’s Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center deliver quick, accurate and advanced evaluation and treatment. Following treatment and rehabilitation, our cardiovascular specialists work with patients to help them prevent a stroke recurrence.
What is a hemorrhagic stroke? What are its risk factors and symptoms? Is it possible to prevent a stroke? Christopher Anderson, M.D., M.Sc., Neurologist and Division Chief, Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, discusses hemorrhagic strokes and how they are treated.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to causing a stroke, including:
Symptoms of a stroke may be sudden and include:
All of the above warning signs may not occur with each stroke, so do not ignore any of these symptoms. Even if the symptoms go away, take action immediately.
Other, less common, symptoms of stroke may include the following:
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, our cardiovascular medicine specialists provide expert evaluation and diagnosis with the aid of the latest in advanced imaging technologies. Along with a careful physical examination, your cardiologist may order one or more of the following tests or procedures to assess your stroke risk:
Specialists at our Division of Cardiovascular Medicine develop individualized treatment plans for patients based on:
Treatment of stroke risk factors may involve a number of options, including:
For patients who suffer a stroke, specialists at our Comprehensive Stroke Center deliver rapid, accurate, and advanced assessment and treatment. Stroke is an emergency, and the greatest chance for recovery from stroke occurs when treatment is started immediately.
Interventional procedures
The Heart & Vascular Center is located in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, across the street from BWH's main 75 Francis Street entrance. The Heart & Vascular Center brings together the full range of services in one location, fostering seamless and coordinated care for all cardiovascular patients.
If you are having surgery or a procedure, you will likely be scheduled for a visit to the Watkins Clinic for pre-operative information and tests.
The day of surgery, you care will be provided by surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses who specialize in surgery for patients with stroke risk. After surgery, you will go to the post-surgical care unit where you will receive comprehensive care by an experienced surgical and nursing staff.
During your surgery, family and friends can wait in the Shapiro Family Center. Staff members will provide surgery updates and caregivers who leave the hospital will be contacted by cell phone.
Patients benefit from the teamwork of medical cardiologists, neurologists, interventional cardiologists, cardiovascular imaging experts and radiologists, and anesthesiologists, all experts in stroke risks and prevention. They work alongside nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, dietitians and social workers to achieve outstanding outcomes for our patients.
Learn more about stroke in our health library.
Visit the Kessler Health Education Library in the Bretholtz Center where patients and families can access computers and knowledgeable staff.
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