Stroke Center

Neurology Associates is committed to improving the functionality and quality of life for victims of a stroke. The Stroke Center, located in Hickory, provides consultations, diagnostic services and stroke treatment for patients throughout Central and Western North Carolina.

Stroke

Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of severe long-term physical and mental disability. 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this year. The incidence of stroke mortality in the southeast is substantially higher (three times) than the national average, earning this geographical area the unfortunate title, “The Stroke Belt.” North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia make up the “buckle” of the belt, with North Carolina having the sixth highest stroke death rate in the United States. The medical costs associated with stroke cost the state of North Carolina 1.05 billion (according to the NC Center for Health Statistics, 2000).

The Stroke Center at Neurology Associates provides immediate stroke patient evaluation for primary events and management to reduce and prevent the incidence of death and disability from secondary events.

 

Stroke Treatment Options

Treatment options for stroke vary by patient. Providers customize a treatment plan based on patient needs.

 

Types of Stroke

Ischemic Strokes: Occurs due to the obstruction of blood within a vessel that supplies blood to the brain. The obstruction of blood is the result of fatty deposits collecting along the vessel walls called Atherosclerosis.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a compromised blood vessel ruptures. Blood vessels can become compromised when the walls of the blood vessels weaken resulting in either aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Transient Ischemic Attacks: TIAs are actually minor or warning strokes. Typical stroke warning signs are present but the obstructive blood clot occurs only for a short time and usually resolves through normal means. Unfortunately, the patient can fail to seek treatment assuming the symptoms are not serious and the event has passed.

 

Call 911 if a patient is experiencing the following symptoms:

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

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and require treatment for possible stroke, please contact Neurology Associates today to schedule an appointment at 828-485-2476. We are conveniently located in Hickory, Taylorsville, Denver and Lincolnton, Western North Carolina, just a short drive from Asheville, Statesville and Morganton.