A newly opened Stroke Prevention Clinic at the LIJ Medical Center will provide individuals with screening, education, counseling and surgical alternatives.
A stroke is the result of failed circulation to the brain. Following a stroke, a person may have paralysis, speech impairment, memory loss and loss of reasoning ability. It can also lead to death.
Among older adults in the United States, strokes are the third-leading killer. In addition, it is the leading cause of disabilities among that population.
“While [a] stroke can be devastating, the good news is that strokes can be preventable through medical treatment and a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Richard Libman, a specially strained stroke neurologist who is the Chief of Vascular Neurology at the LIJ Medical Center.
At the Stroke Prevention Clinic, patients can undergo a screening that will determine their risk for having a stroke. Some such factors are diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, increasing age, smoking, obesity and having had a heart attack.
“Often, risk for stroke goes undiscovered until a symptom is detected during a routine medical exam,” Libman said. “One of the advantages for patients being seen in the prevention clinic is that if I detect serious symptoms, I can initiate treatment and follow-up, if necessary.”
The clinic also offers patients one-on-one counseling and education.
For more information on LIJ’s Stroke Prevention or to find out about having an evaluation, call 718-470-7260.
