What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when a blood clot, plaque, or other particles block blood flow to the brain, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
The following is a Q&A session with our stroke specialists, Dr. Brandon Vieder, board-certified neurologist and fellowship-trained vascular neurology specialist, and Dr. Joshua Nass, board-certified neurologist and stroke specialist.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about stroke?
Dr. Vieder: Many people expect a stroke to be dramatic—but often it’s not. Symptoms can be mild, temporary or easy to dismiss. People need to recognize that something isn’t right and act quickly.
What are some symptoms people tend to overlook?
Dr. Vieder: We often see subtle symptoms, such as mild speech changes or numbness on one side. There are also non-classic symptoms—such as dizziness or vision changes—that people may not immediately recognize as stroke symptoms.
If symptoms go away, is it still an emergency?
Dr. Nass: Yes. Even if symptoms improve, it could still be a transient ischemic attack (TIA). That’s still a medical emergency and a warning sign. Waiting because you feel better can delay care and affect outcomes.
What should someone do if they think they’re having a stroke?
Dr. Vieder: Call 911. Don’t wait. Don’t try to drive yourself. Emergency medical services can begin evaluation immediately and alert the hospital before you arrive. That time matters.
A stroke requires immediate emergency care and ongoing neurological management after discharge.
What are the common signs of a stroke?
Dr. Vieder: Common signs include sudden changes such as facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, and difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
But it’s important to know that stroke doesn’t always present so clearly. Symptoms can be subtle—such as mild speech changes, slight facial asymmetry, dizziness, or vision changes.
If something feels off, don’t wait to figure it out—seek care immediately.
Are you seeing any trends in stroke care right now?
Dr. Nass: We’re seeing more discussion about delays in care—especially among younger patients who may not believe they’re at risk. There’s also a growing focus on post-hospitalization care, including follow-up and recovery.
What role does a neurologist play after someone leaves the hospital?
Dr. Nass: While stroke treatment begins in the emergency setting, neurologists play an ongoing role in:
- Identifying stroke type and underlying cause
- Managing medications and reducing future risk
- Coordinating recovery and rehabilitation
- Guiding patients through the critical first months of recovery
This may include advanced imaging, such as MRI, to better understand the cause of the stroke and guide ongoing care.
What should patients know about recovery?
Dr. Nass: Recovery is very possible, and having the right plan and follow-up care in place is critical. Most stroke recovery occurs in the first 6 to 12 months, but recognition and immediate action are most important.
Dr. Vieder: With newer rehabilitation technologies and treatment approaches, the right patients may continue to experience meaningful improvement beyond the first year.
Are there new approaches to stroke recovery that patients should be aware of?
Dr. Nass: Rehabilitation is evolving. There are more personalized approaches and technology-assisted therapies that can support recovery. Neurologists help guide patients to the therapies that are right for them and adjust care as patients progress.
At MIND, neurologists play an important role in stroke care after emergency treatment—providing advanced diagnostics, including MRI, guiding recovery, and helping reduce the risk of future strokes.
Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly can improve outcomes. Ongoing neurological care also plays a critical role in recovery and in reducing future risk.
Certifications
Education
Residency
Fellowship
Fellowship
Accepting New Patients
Memberships
