Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States (CDC).
Key Statistics
- ~795,000 strokes per year in the U.S. — one every 40 seconds
- ~87% are ischemic (clot/blockage); ~13% are hemorrhagic (bleeding)
- ~1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease is stroke-related
- Every minute without treatment, ~1.9 million neurons die
- Stroke risk doubles each decade after age 55
Warning Signs — BE FAST
- Balance: sudden loss of balance
- Eyes: sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Face: facial drooping
- Arms: arm weakness
- Speech: slurred or strange speech
- Time: call 911 immediately
Neurosurgical Role
- Decompressive hemicraniectomy for large ischemic stroke with malignant edema — reduces mortality by ~50% in selected patients <60
- Hematoma evacuation for intracerebral hemorrhage
- External ventricular drain (EVD) for hydrocephalus from intraventricular blood
- Coordination with stroke neurology for tPA and thrombectomy candidacy
Common Symptoms
- Sudden weakness on one side
- Facial drooping
- Slurred speech
- Vision loss
- Severe headache
- Loss of balance
- Confusion
Treatment Options
Decompressive craniectomy
Hematoma evacuation
External ventricular drainage
Aneurysm/AVM treatment for hemorrhagic stroke
Dr. Marcus Stephens
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert stroke treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.