By Cory Lamar, MD – Board-Certified in Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy
Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans experience a stroke, making it a leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. With May designated as National Stroke Awareness Month, Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC in Naples, Florida, led by Dr. Cory Lamar, is committed to educating the community about stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment.
Recognizing the Signs of Stroke
“When it comes to stroke, every minute counts,” explains Dr. Cory Lamar, neurologist at Advanced Neurology Specialists. “The faster a stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances for recovery.”
Remember the acronym FAST to identify stroke symptoms:
Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?
Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? When both arms are raised, does one drift downward?
Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or strange? Can the person repeat a simple sentence?
Time to call 911: If any of these signs are present, call emergency services immediately.
Additional warning signs include sudden numbness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble seeing, difficulty walking, and severe headache without a known cause.
Understanding Stroke Types and Risk Factors
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic (caused by blood clots) and hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding in the brain). Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called “mini-strokes,” serve as warning signs that a more severe stroke may occur.
While some risk factors like age, family history, and gender cannot be changed, many others can be controlled:
. High blood pressure
. Smoking
. Diabetes
. High cholesterol
. Physical inactivity
. Obesity
. Excessive alcohol consumption
. Atrial fibrillation
“Controlling these modifiable risk factors can significantly reduce your stroke risk,” says Dr. Lamar. “Regular check-ups and appropriate medical management are essential components of prevention.”
Advanced Treatment Options
At Advanced Neurology Specialists, Dr. Lamar employs state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for stroke patients. For ischemic strokes, treatments like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can dissolve clots and restore blood flow when administered within the critical time window.
For patients who have experienced a stroke, comprehensive rehabilitation services help maximize recovery and independence. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support.
Prevention is Key
The best treatment for stroke is prevention. Dr. Lamar recommends:
. Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
. Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly)
. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
. Taking medications as prescribed
. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
“We partner with our patients to develop personalized prevention strategies based on their specific risk factors,” notes Dr. Lamar. “Through education and preventive care, many strokes can be avoided entirely.”
Expert Neurological Care in Naples
Advanced Neurology Specialists provides comprehensive care for stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Dr. Cory Lamar brings extensive expertise in neurology to the Naples community, offering personalized treatment plans for patients with neurological conditions.
Conditions we often help people with at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, include Alzheimer’s disease (and other conditions that cause dementia), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (and other disorders that cause tremor), epilepsy, and stroke. We also treat children from age 14 who are affected by headaches and seizure disorders.
Dr. Lamar is committed to delivering compassionate care backed by evidence-based medicine for the best possible outcomes. In addition to his extensive experience, he completed a fellowship at a Veterans Association (VA) medical center treating traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, offers convenient outpatient electroencephalographs (EEGs) and ambulatory EEGs that patients perform at home. We aim to minimize anxiety while maximizing patient comfort and confidence at our welcoming office.
Call 239-667-5878 for more information about our services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lamar. Online booking is also available.
Remember: When it comes to stroke, time is brain. Know the warning signs and act quickly.
Advanced Neurology Specialists
239-667-5878
advancedneurofl.com
730 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N, Suite 205
Naples, FL 34102