James Gebel, MD
Neurology
Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital


Q: The doctor says my husband is at risk for stroke. What puts him at risk, and if he has a stroke, how do we know and what should we do?

A: Above all, I must stress that a stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. If your husband experiences any signs and symptoms of stroke, as described below, call 9-1-1 right away. The longer treatment is delayed, the more damage can take place.

Often referred to as “brain attacks,” strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is restricted. With limited blood, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients and brain cells begin to die. Factors placing a person at risk for stroke include:

• Family history of stroke or heart attack
• Being 55 and older
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease
• Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Being of African-American descent
• Taking birth control pills or other hormone therapy


Strokes usually strike without warning. However, some people experience a TIA, which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of your brain. TIAs often signal that a full-blown stroke is about to occur.

In addition to TIA, signs and symptoms of stroke include:

• Loss of balance and coordination
• Slurred speech or difficulty coming up with the right words
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Sudden, severe headache
• Sudden vision problems

If your husband or someone else experiences any of the above, dial 911 immediately. While waiting for treatment, you may need to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if they stop breathing. If they vomit, turn their head to the side to prevent choking. Do not let them eat or drink anything.

Remember: every minute counts. So when signs of stroke occur, do not delay in seeking emergency care. If you are on Cleveland’s West Side, I suggest that the patient be taken to Lakewood Hospital. As a designated Primary Stroke Center, Lakewood is specially equipped to handle stroke cases and has received the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission, America’s premier accrediting bureau.

Dr. Gebel specializes in vascular neurology and practices at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital. To schedule an appointment with him, or other neurological specialists, please call 216-529-7110.