On Wednesday, Feb. 9, our panel of experts, including John Livingstone, medical director of Riverside Stroke Center; Richard M. Zweifler, Sentara Chief of Neurology; and Teri Arnold of the American Heart Association answered your questions about stroke.

 Ask the Experts: About stroke diagnosis and treatment(02/09/2011) 
11:58
Prue: 
Welcome to our Live Web chat on Strokes. We have three top experts on the topic joining us today. Ask your questions now.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 11:58 Prue
11:59
[Comment From LucyLucy: ] 
What does it mean to be a stroke-certified facility?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 11:59 Lucy
12:00
Prue: 
Our experts, Dr. Livingstone from Riverside Stroke Center, Dr. Zweifler, Sentara neurologist, and Terri Arnold of the American Heart Association should be joining us any minute. Experts - please let readers know when you're ready to answer their questions.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:00 Prue
12:01
Prue: 
Lucy - I'm assuming that you're referring to Riverside. We'll let Dr. Livingstone answer that question.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:01 Prue
12:01
Prue: 
Readers: This is an amazing opportunity to ask your questions directly to some of the most qualified stroke experts in the region. Type in your questions now and our experts will answer them as soon as they're online.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:01 Prue
12:02
Prue: 
If you can't stay for the chat, be sure to go to www.dailypress.com/health and click on the Live Archived Web Chats tab to find the transcript.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:02 Prue
12:03
Teri Arnold: 
Lucy- this is Teri from the American Heart Association and we have what is called the Get with the Guidelines program. Riverside is a part of the program.

Get With The Guidelines??-Stroke puts the expertise of the American Stroke Association to work for hospital teams, helping to ensure that the care they provide to stroke patients is aligned with the latest scientific guidelines.

Most hospitals that implement the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke quality improvement program realize measurable results. It’s a difference that shows in the lives of patients and their families, in the satisfaction felt by caregivers empowered to do their best and in the financial health of participating hospitals.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:03 Teri Arnold
12:04
Prue: 
Teri, Welcome!
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:04 Prue
12:04
Teri Arnold: 
For more information on this program you can visit: www.heart.org and put in a seach for Get with the Guidelines.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:04 Teri Arnold
12:04
Teri Arnold: 
Thanks Prue. Very happy to be there.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:04 Teri Arnold
12:05
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
I have a family history of strokes -- father, grandmother, uncles. What can I do as a precaution
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:05 Guest
12:07
Prue: 
Teri,
Do you have any preventive advice for people? Thanks.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:07 Prue
12:07
Teri Arnold: 
There are some risk factors you can reduce: stop smoking, control blood sugar, lowering cholesterol and weight, making sure your blood pressure is controlled and reducing stress levels.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:07 Teri Arnold
12:08
Prue: 
Teri - I have a personal interest in this as strokes run in my family too. If you maintain a regular weight, exercise, eat properly, don't smoke -- what else is there that you can do?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:08 Prue
12:08
Teri Arnold: 
There are some unchangeable risk factors as well: Age: Stroke risk doubles every 10 years after age 55. Gender: Men are more likely to experience stroke and Heredity: African American's are at a greater risk of stroke.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:08 Teri Arnold
12:09
Teri Arnold: 
You can consult with your doctor Prue. Have a consistant relationship with him or her to make sure you are getting the best care.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:09 Teri Arnold
12:10
Teri Arnold: 
We also have a great program called Power to End Stroke....
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:10 Teri Arnold
12:10
[Comment From DebbieDebbie: ] 
I heard that a TIA is a precurrser to a major stroke is that true?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:10 Debbie
12:10
Teri Arnold: 
http://www.powertoendstroke.org/about-movement.html

It helps connect people who have risk factors for stroke or family members with stroke to give advice for a life free ot cardiovascular disease.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:10 Teri Arnold
12:12
Teri Arnold: 
TIA can occue days, weeks or even months before a major stroke...
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:12 Teri Arnold
12:13
Teri Arnold: 
TIA's result when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery and part of the brain does not get the supply of blood it needs.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:13 Teri Arnold
12:13
Teri Arnold: 
The usual symptoms are like those of a full-fledged stroke, except that they are temporary...lasting 24 hours or less.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:13 Teri Arnold
12:14
Prue: 
How would you recognize a TIA? And then what should you do? and what treatments would you likely receive?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:14 Prue
12:14
[Comment From NancyNancy: ] 
Why does high blood pressure cause strokes?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:14 Nancy
12:15
Teri Arnold: 
The symptoms for TIA are just like those of a regular stroke, they only last a shorter period of time. Numbness or weakness in the face....
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:15 Teri Arnold
12:16
Prue: 
Readers: We are talking to Teri Arnold of the American Heart Association. We are hoping to have our doctors join us soon. One's with a patient and the other is having technical difficulties.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:16 Prue
12:16
Teri Arnold: 
sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, severe headache....CALL 911 immeadiately.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:16 Teri Arnold
12:16
John Livingstone MD: 
Nancy,
High blood pressure is a risk factor for strokes in two ways: one is that it can lead to hardening of the arteries and the other risk is towards rupture of small blood vessels that can lead to brain bleeding/hemorrhage

Dr Livingstone
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:16 John Livingstone MD
12:17
Prue: 
Welcome Dr. Livingstone. He is medical director of Riverside Stroke Center. WE had a question about what constitutes a certified stroke center. Could you answer that?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:17 Prue
12:18
[Comment From Richard Zweifler, MDRichard Zweifler, MD: ] 
I have had technical difficulty but am now logged in
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:18 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:18
Prue: 
Dr. Zweifler - welcome. You should be able to type right into the chat now. Thankks for joining us from Sentara.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:18 Prue
12:18
[Comment From RWMRWM: ] 
Are there any new or emerging treatments other than coumaden to treat an ATIII deficiency problem or hypercoagulating blood. Suffered from a stroke recently and was advised that my INR number was too low. Basically increased dosage amount and are in a test and monitor mode currently.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:18 RWM
12:18
[Comment From SarahSarah: ] 
What is the Joint Commission and why is it important to be certified?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:18 Sarah
12:20
John Livingstone MD: 
Prue,
Certainly. A JCAHO certified Primary Stroke Center has gone through a rigorous evaluation to assure that all aspects of stroke care (including neurologist care, Emergency Department care, imaging, medication delivery, patient and family education and follow up care meet the standards of care that are mandatory for state of the art stroke care. In addition, certified stroke centers must also continue to meet these criteria to maintain certification. We at Riverside Regional Medical Center are currently the only JCAHO certified Stroke Center on the Peninsula.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:20 John Livingstone MD
12:20
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Sarah: The Joint Commission and DNV Healthcare are 2 organizations that certify hospitals as Primary Stroke Centers. These Certifications ensure that hospitals are meeting certain clinical guidelines in the care for patients with stroke.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:20 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:20
Prue: 
Could you answer the question about coumadin.. a blood-thinner? and also let readers know what an INR number is.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:20 Prue
12:21
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
It should be noted that both Sentara CarePlex and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center are currently going through the certification process.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:21 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:21
Prue: 
Readers: We are talking to medical experts -- the best in the area -- about stroke prevention and treatment.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:21 Prue
12:21
[Comment From Cynthia AaronCynthia Aaron: ] 
My husband had a stroke in June 2009 and continues to have pain on the affected side of his head, what could be causing it? Is it a connection to the stroke?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:21 Cynthia Aaron
12:22
John Livingstone MD: 
RWM,
The most important aspect of ATIII deficiency is to be absolutely assured that you are truly ATIII deficient. That is a very rare condition and a single abnormal blood test for that diagnosis should be confirmed by a second blood test for certainty.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:22 John Livingstone MD
12:22
John Livingstone MD: 
RWM,
If the diagnosis is confident, then coumadin is a very good treatment.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:22 John Livingstone MD
12:22
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Cynthia, the pain may or may not be related to the stroke. This is not something that can be diagnosed via chat.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:22 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:24
Prue: 
If you're at high risk for stroke because of family history, are there any medical tests you should have routinely?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:24 Prue
12:25
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
How can you test for elevated blood sugar? can you do it at home
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:25 Guest
12:25
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Blood pressure, blood sugar and a test called HgA1C, cholesterol should be checked. One should exercise at least 20min 3 days/week and keep weight in ideal range.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:25 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:25
John Livingstone MD: 
Prue,
More generally, coumadin is an actual anti-coagulant, or blood thinner. It works by depleting the bodies stores of proteins involved in the actual clotting of blood. The use of coumadin mandates checking blood tests to monitor the level of blood thinning. The INR is a number that is useful for maintaining optimal dosing of coumadin and the usual number for stroke prevention is 2.0-3.0, although certain other indications can be as high as 2.5-3.5: this would need to be discussed with your individual physician.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:25 John Livingstone MD
12:26
Prue: 
Do you need to see a doctor to have a blood sugar test? What numbers are considered elevated?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:26 Prue
12:26
John Livingstone MD: 
Mary,
If there is a concern that someone (you or someone else) is currently having symptoms of a stroke, then you should call 911 immediately.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:26 John Livingstone MD
12:27
Prue: 
Is there anything else you should do? Does it make a difference if you move them?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:27 Prue
12:27
[Comment From MaryMary: ] 
What should you do if you think someone has had a stroke or tia
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:27 Mary
12:27
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Although there are home tests of blood sugar used for diabetics, you should have your glucose checked fasting and a HgA1C. A fasting glucose > 126 or a HgA1C >6.5 is diagnostic of diabetes.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:27 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:28
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
These should be done under the care of a physician
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:28 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:28
John Livingstone MD: 
Mary,
If the symptoms of stroke or TIA have been in the past, then one should certainly seek medical attention initially by a primary care physician to help to be certain if the symptoms are suggestive of stroke and to then also to help address risk factors for stroke (blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, etc).
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:28 John Livingstone MD
12:29
Prue: 
Can lifestyle changes reduce blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and other risk factors? Or do you recommend medications?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:29 Prue
12:29
[Comment From RWMRWM: ] 
Regarding the ATIII deficiency, three tests were performed to confirm this. Current INR range is 3.0 to 3.5. Sounds like managed coumaden therepy is the best bet at this point. Is that fair to say.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:29 RWM
12:30
Prue: 
Readers: We are talking to medical experts about stroke -- its prevention and treatment. Obviously, the doctors' answers cannot replace a visit to a physician.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:30 Prue
12:30
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Prue: Lifestyle changes can help with these risk factors although medications may be recommended as well.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:30 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:30
John Livingstone MD: 
RWM,
then the diagnosis sounds secure and treatment with coumadin in the range mentioned certainly sounds reasonable.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:30 John Livingstone MD
12:30
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
What new treatments for stroke are there?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:30 Guest
12:31
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Guest: Are you interested in new preventive treatments or treatments once someone has had a stroke?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:31 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:31
Prue: 
Remember: If you can't stay for the end of the chat, be sure to check out the transcript at www.dailypress.com/health and click on the Archived Live Web Chats tab.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:31 Prue
12:32
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
treatments once someone has had a stroke
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:32 Guest
12:33
Prue: 
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country and Virginia is in the "stroke belt" -- one of the 10 states where people are at highest risk. Ask our physician experts your questions now. We're here until 1 p.m. EST.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:33 Prue
12:33
[Comment From AnnaAnna: ] 
Does an aspirin regimen help with prevention? And if you regularly take ibuprophen (daily) could/should you still take an aspirin a day?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:33 Anna
12:33
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
There is only 1 approved drug for stroke, called t-PA, that must be given very soon after the onset of symptoms (either 3 or 4.5 hrs depending upon specifics with the patient) ...
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:33 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:34
John Livingstone MD: 
Guest,
emergent treatment (ie in the hours after the stroke itself), all treatments should take place at a certified stroke center and include the possibility of tPA (clot buster) out to 4 1/2 hours or any one of a number of catheter based therapies done in an angiogram suite by a highly trained neuro-interventional trained physician.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:34 John Livingstone MD
12:35
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Interventions with a catheter to dissolve or pull a clot out are done in selected patients athough we are still awaiting proof that these procedures are beneficial.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:35 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:35
Prue: 
Dox -- is there a difference in treatment for the 2 different types of strokes? Could you tell our readers what the differences are in types of stroke? Teri -- is prevention the same for all o f them?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:35 Prue
12:35
Prue: 
Could you answer the aspirin/ibuprofen question?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:35 Prue
12:35
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Anna: Aspirin does help reduce the risk of stroke in those that have had prior stroke or TIA ...
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:35 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:36
John Livingstone MD: 
Guest,
More chronic stroke preventative treatments that begin after the stroke has actually occurred still revolve around the traditional use of aspirin (or similar meds), risk factor treatment or possibly coumadin in certain individuals. There is a new medicine available for prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (dabigatrin) and any decision to use that med rather than coumadin would be best individually made with a cardiologist and neurologist.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:36 John Livingstone MD
12:37
Teri Arnold: 
Prue, early attention to stroke risk factors are important first steps in preventing and treating such a potentially debilitating disease.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:37 Teri Arnold
12:37
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Ibuprofen does not reduce stroke risk.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:37 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:38
[Comment From DiegoDiego: ] 
Continuos sleepness on the left arm during the night or during the day if seated can be a symptom of heath desease?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:38 Diego
12:38
Teri Arnold: 
The American Stroke Association???s International Stroke Conference 2011 is starting today in Los Angeles and there are some interesting new findings concerning stroke prevention.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:38 Teri Arnold
12:38
John Livingstone MD: 
Anna,
regular use of ibufprofen does not reduce stroke risk and some data actually suggest that regular use may actually increase stroke risk. If you have stroke risk factors and regularly take ibuprofen, this should be discussed with your physician.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:38 John Livingstone MD
12:38
Prue: 
Teri -- could you tell us a couple of those new findings regarding stroke prevention
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:38 Prue
12:39
John Livingstone MD: 
George,
with hyperacute treatment of stroke in a hospital setting with clot busting drugs, there may be immediate improvement. Even after "the damage has been done", improvement in function after stroke can occur for up to 12-18 months.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:39 John Livingstone MD
12:39
Teri Arnold: 
Sure.
Drinking diet soda daily is linked to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack and vascular-related deaths.

High salt intake may double the risk of ischemic stroke, independent of sodium???s role in hypertension

Even if you drink diet soda — instead of the sugar variety ??? you could still have a much higher risk of vascular events compared to those who don???t drink soda, according to research.
.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:39 Teri Arnold
12:39
Prue: 
Hi Readers, We have just a few more minutes for you to ask your questions about stroks of top medical experts in the region.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:39 Prue
12:40
[Comment From georgegeorge: ] 
how long after a stroke can you expect to see improvement of function
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:40 george
12:40
Prue: 
Dr. Livingstone -- just a reminder that readers can;'t see the questions on the right hand side of yoru screen!!
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:40 Prue
12:41
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
George: This is highly variable. Although we say approx 80% of improvement is seen in 3 months, some patients recover sooner and some over a longer period of time.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:41 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:41
John Livingstone MD: 
Prue,
sorry
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:41 John Livingstone MD
12:41
Prue: 
Does insurance cover rehab? for how long typically? or are all policies different in that regard?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:41 Prue
12:42
Prue: 
Did you have an answer for Diego? about his numb arm?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:42 Prue
12:42
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Prue: Policies differ with respect to rehab coverage
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:42 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:42
John Livingstone MD: 
Prue,
all policies differ, but essentially all insurers will cover some sort of rehabilitation. Length of coverage, etc is absolutely individual with regards to policy.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:42 John Livingstone MD
12:43
Prue: 
What about the difference between different strokes -- left/right etc? Are the causes different? The treatment?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:43 Prue
12:43
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
What can you do for depression for soemone who has had a stroke
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:43 Guest
12:43
John Livingstone MD: 
Diego,
If the numbness in the arm is continuous, it is unlikely to be related to stroke. However, that symptom is never normal and would need medical attention.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:43 John Livingstone MD
12:43
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Depression is common after stroke with some studies indicating nearly half of patients suffering with it...
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:43 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:44
John Livingstone MD: 
Guest,
Depression after stroke is common and usually not severe. If the degree of depression is severe, then therapy and medications are usually of significant benefit.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:44 John Livingstone MD
12:44
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Psychotherapy and medication are both effective treatments. In fact, recent research indicates that some antidepressants may help physical recovery as well.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:44 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:45
Prue: 
In our last few minutes, Teri and doctors, could you tell readers what you think is the MOST important factor in preventing stroke -- and the MOST effective treatment.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:45 Prue
12:45
Teri Arnold: 
If the person with depression is interested in reaching out and connecting with others who are suffering from the same condition, I would suggest the Power To End Stroke website. It is an education and awareness campaign that embraces and celebrates the culture, energy, creativity and lifestyles of Americans. It unites people to help make an impact on the high incidence of stroke within their communities. They can sign up for a free newsletter and Stroke Connection magazine.

Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:45 Teri Arnold
12:46
John Livingstone MD: 
prue,
There are many different causes of stroke and only a neurologist can best decide (usually through testing) the precise cause of a stroke. Up to 1/3 of all strokes remain of uncertain cause even after investigations and tests.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:46 John Livingstone MD
12:46
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Diego: As we are discussing stroke, I will answer that from a neurologic perspective, numbness in the arm can be a stroke symptom or due to a problem with a nerve
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:46 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:47
[Comment From mary jeanmary jean: ] 
what is the latest research focusing on?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:47 mary jean
12:48
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Control of blood pressure is the single most important thing any one of us can do to prevent stroke. High blood pressure is a potent stroke risk factor and reduction of blood pressure offers significant benefit.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:48 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:48
John Livingstone MD: 
Readers,
The most important factor in preventing first and recurrent strokes is to be evaluated and tested for the treatable risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain abnormal heart rhythms, diabetes, etc. Treatment with specific stroke preventors such as aspirin, Plavix, or Aggrenox is individualized between the patient and physician.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:48 John Livingstone MD
12:48
Teri Arnold: 
Do everything you can to maintain a healthy lifestyle- eat more fruits and veggies, exercise, keep your stress down, see your physician regularly.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:48 Teri Arnold
12:48
[Comment From DiegoDiego: ] 
Which is a best exercise to engage for hearth health: walking or riding a bicycle?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:48 Diego
12:48
[Comment From DiegoDiego: ] 
can regular excercise help with high blood pressure?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:48 Diego
12:50
Prue: 
Would a regular annual physical take care of all these preventive measures? Or does one need to ask for additional tests? Is once a year sufficient to keep tabs?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:50 Prue
12:50
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Jean: There is research looking into new therapies given immediately after a stroke (e.g., intravenous magnesium by paramedics, laser therapy (which we are doing at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital as part of a study), the aforementioned catheter interventions etc). Regarding prevention, ...
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:50 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:50
John Livingstone MD: 
Diego,
Either of those exercises can help reduce blood pressure and it is a recognized fact that regular exercise is a proven way to help reduce high blood pressure. However, it often times can not replace medications, dietary restrictions and any attempt to either stop medicine or change diet should be discussed with your physician.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:50 John Livingstone MD
12:51
Prue: 
I'm interested that antidepressants can help physical recovery. Do you know how that works, what the connection is?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:51 Prue
12:51
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
there are studies looking at a drug in patients with insulin resistance ("pre-diabetes"), whether closing a hole in the heart is beneficial etc. It is an exciting time.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:51 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:52
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Prue: Mechanism is uncertain. Recent data with fluoxetine.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:52 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:52
Prue: 
Have the numbers of those suffering strokes been reduced by recent advances? Have greater recovery rates been effected?
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:52 Prue
12:53
Prue: 
Readers, you have 5 minutes left to ask our experts your questions on stroke.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:53 Prue
12:53
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Stroke mortality and incidence have been declining but we see more strokes as the population grows. It remains the 3rd leading cause of death and leading cause of adult disability.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:53 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:54
John Livingstone MD: 
Prue,
Better risk factor management will reduce stroke risk, but patients need to know if they have it. Stroke recovery rates are DEFINITELY improved with acute treatment at a hospital setting, which is why we suggest urgent stroke treatment at the nearest Stroke Center.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:54 John Livingstone MD
12:54
Prue: 
Readers: If you missed the beginning of the chat, you can find the transcript at www.dailypress.com/health and click on the tab Archived Live Web Chats.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:54 Prue
12:54
Teri Arnold: 
On average every 40 secionds someone in the US has a stroke and every 4 minutes someone dies of a stroke.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:54 Teri Arnold
12:55
Prue: 
Doctors and Teri, Could you give your contact information, or resources that you can recommend to our readers for information and help on this important topic.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:55 Prue
12:55
[Comment From DiegoDiego: ] 
thank you doctors for dedicating your time to answer our questions
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:55 Diego
12:55
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Sentara Neurology Specialists: 388-6105
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:55 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:55
Prue: 
I second Diego! It's a fabulous public service that you're offering by making your expertise accessible to the public.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:55 Prue
12:56
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Resources: American Stroke Association website, Virginia Stroke Systems Task Force Website, National Stroke Association website
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:56 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:56
John Livingstone MD: 
Prue,
Very good information about stroke prevention can be found at the American Heart Association website. My contact information is Riverside Hampon Roads Neurology 534-5100.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:56 John Livingstone MD
12:56
Teri Arnold: 
Sure. The best in updated stroke information from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association can be found at http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

I can be reached directly at teri.arnold@heart.org or 757-628-2605.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:56 Teri Arnold
12:56
Richard Zweifler, MD: 
Thank you for having us. It has been a pleasure
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:56 Richard Zweifler, MD
12:57
Teri Arnold: 
I second that!
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:57 Teri Arnold
12:57
John Livingstone MD: 
Thank you for hosting us and hopefully this information is of benefit to everyone.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:57 John Livingstone MD
12:57
Prue: 
Experts -- thank you very much for your time and expertise. Again, the transcript can be found at www.dailypress.com/health at Archived Live Web Chats tab.
Thanks again. I'm now closing the chat.
Wednesday February 9, 2011 12:57 Prue
12:59