What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)? A transient ischemic attack (TIA, mini-stroke) is a short-lived stroke that gets better and resolves. It is a short-lived episode (less than 24 hours) of temporary impairment of brain function that is caused by a loss of blood supply. A TIA causes a loss of function in the area of the body that is controlled by the portion of the brain affected. The loss of blood supply to the brain is most often caused by a clot that spontaneously forms in a blood vessel within the brain (thrombosis). However, it can also result from a clot that forms elsewhere in the body, dislodges from that location, and travels to lodge in an artery of the brain (emboli). Arterial spasm and, rarely, a bleed into brain tissue are other causes of a TIA. Many people refer to a TIA as a "mini-stroke." Some TIAs develop slowly, while others develop rapidly. By definition, all TIAs resolve within 24 hours. Strokes take longer to resolve than TIAs, and with strokes, complete function may never return and reflect a more permanent and serious problem. Although most TIAs often last only a few minutes, all TIAs should be … Continue reading →

SSM Neurosciences Institutes stroke centers offer the most advanced treatments for stroke. When every second counts, our experienced team of neurologists, neuro-interventionists, neurosurgeons, stroke nurse practitioners, stroke coordinators, ER physicians, radiologists, dedicated nurses and clinicians work together to deliver life-saving treatment. Before starting treatment, your doctor will use a computed tomography (CT) scan of your head and possibly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose the type of stroke youve had and to assess the amount of brain damage. Initial treatment focuses on restoring blood flow for an ischemic stroke or controlling bleeding for a hemorrhagic stroke. The window of opportunity to prevent significant loss of ability from stroke is several hours. But thanks to medical advances, that window is opening wider than ever. In fact, it is now possible to reverse a stroke with state-of-the-art equipment at the SSM Neurosciences Institute. Treatment may include clot-busting medication or other interventions. The American Stroke Association has issued guidelines saying that patients can benefit from the clot-busting drug, tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), or thrombolytic drugs up to 4.5 hours after stroke symptoms begin. The guidelines apply to most patients with ischemic stroke (more than 750,000 Americans suffer from strokes each year, and 80 … Continue reading →

STROKE OVERVIEW In the United States, approximately 750,000 strokes occur each year. During a stroke, one or more areas of the brain can be damaged. Depending upon the area affected, a person may lose the ability to move one side of the body, the ability to speak, or a number of other functions. The damage may be temporary or permanent, and the function may be partially or completely lost. A person's long term outcome depends upon how much brain is damaged, how quickly treatment begins, and a number of other factors. Strokes are a leading cause of long-lasting injury, disability, and death. Early treatment and preventive measures can reduce the brain damage that occurs as a result of a stroke. The treatment of a stroke depends upon the type of stroke (eg, ischemic or hemorrhagic), the time since the first stroke symptoms occurred, and the patient's underlying medical problems. General information about the treatment of hemorrhagic strokes is provided here. A separate topic review is available that discusses the signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. (See "Patient information: Stroke symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)".) A topic is also available that discusses the treatment of ischemic stroke. … Continue reading →

**BRAND NEW**Stroke Forum/Discussion Board Start your posts now at theStroke Rehab Forum Stroke, otherwise known as cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is a serious killer and cause of disability. According to the CDC, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world. CVA symptoms can be frightening and include numbness, weakness often on one side, confusion, vision problems, slurred speech, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, loss of coordination, and severe headache. Survivors are often left with long term disability and many unanswered questions: About this Website If you are a caregiver, familiarize yourself with the effects of CVA and then go to the caregiver and resources sections. Loved ones caring for survivors will have their own set of emotions and responsibilities to tackle. You must take care of yourself first in order to help take care of a family member! Rehabilitation is not easy for patients or caregivers. It is a long, arduous process. Make your recovery successful by seeking proper medical treatment, finding a good rehab professional, having a positive outlook, and following through with an effective home … Continue reading →

Treatments for Stroke Treatment for a stroke should begin as soon as possible. The quicker emergency treatment begins, the greater the chance of preventing any lasting damage. Treatment depends on the type of stroke a person is having. Emergency treatment for ischemic stroke must start within 4.5 hours of the event. Ischemic stroke is the most common kind of stroke that involves a blood clot in the brain. Treatment will be used to break up the clot that is blocking or disrupting blood flow in the brain. One of the most common treatments doctors use during stroke emergencies is aspirin. Proven effective for thinning the blood, aspirin can help get blood to the affected area. You or a family member should inform your emergency room doctor if you're already taking aspirin for heart disease or other conditions. Your doctor may also administer other drugs designed to break up clots. These drugs can be injected through a thin tube (catheter) in your arteries. The most common medication used to treat stroke is known as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). It will help break up a clot that has formed in the brain. Other oral drugs that may eventually be used to thin … Continue reading →

The two year curriculum includes course work, clinical rotations, and a research-based thesis. Students are afforded a wide range of clinical opportunities in prenatal, pediatric and adult settings as well as specialty clinics through our clinical rotation network. International rotations are encouraged. In 1991 and 1998, the Program received rare Commendation for Excellence citations from the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education. The Program was awarded American Board of Genetic Counseling accreditation in 2000 and reaccreditation in 2006. Most recently, the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling re-accredited the Program for the maximum eight year period, 2014-2022. We invite you to explore the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program through this site. Please also visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the American Board of Genetic Counseling websites to learn more about the profession. Check out the latest U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition projections for genetic counselors. The future is bright for genetic counselors! More: Genetic Counseling Program - University of South Carolina ... … Continue reading →