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Vascular Neurology
What's a Vascular Neurologist?
A vascular neurologist is a neurologist with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. While all neurologists can treat stroke, vascular neurologists are known as "stroke doctors" because of their extra stroke-focused training.
Many specialists besides vascular neurologists treat stroke, including:
If you or a loved one show signs and symptoms of stroke, call 911 for immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment may save your life and help reduce long-term effects of a stroke.
Conditions Treated
See the full list of conditions we treat, and select a condition to find providers and locations near you.
- Brain arteriovenous malformations
- Brain bleed
- Carotid artery disease
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Cervical arterial disease
- Epistaxis
- Head vascular malformations
- Intracranial arterial disease
- Neck tumors
- Neck vascular malformations
- Spinal vascular abnormalities
- Stroke
- Subdural hematoma
- Transient ischemic attack
- Vascular disease
What is a Stroke?
A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells begin to die and abilities controlled by the affected area of the brain are impacted. These abilities include speech, movement and memory.
What's My Stroke Risk?
Learn your risk for stroke by reviewing the American Stroke Association’s Stroke Risk Scorecard. Share the results with your primary care provider.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States according to the American Stroke Association. Use the acronym BEFAST to spot common signs of stroke. It could save your life or the life of a loved one.
- Balance - Does the person have sudden loss of balance?
- Eyes - Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
- Face - Smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms - Raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech - Repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?
- Time - If you observe any of these signs, call 911 right away.
If you're experiencing stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself.
Streamlined Stroke Diagnosis
When you arrive at an Essentia emergency room with stroke symptoms, your care team assesses your condition right away so you can get the right treatment as soon as possible. To diagnose your stroke, your doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Physically examine you
- Review your medical records
- Order an imaging test, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan
If you come to the hospital by ambulance, paramedics begin evaluating your condition and communicating with Essentia doctors while you’re en route so we can expedite your care.
Timely Stroke Treatment
Your stroke treatment will depend on the type of stroke you are experiencing and how much time has passed since your symptoms started.
If you’re a candidate for a clot-busting medication such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or tenecteplase (TNK), rely on us to get you the medication quickly.
If you’d benefit from a surgical treatment that’s not available at your location, depend on us to quickly and safely transport you to the nearest hospital that performs the most effective treatment for your condition.
Stroke Thrombectomy
The new minimally invasive surgery, known as the stroke thrombectomy, benefits stroke patients.
Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation
You’ll appreciate a care team that starts planning for your recovery as soon as you’re admitted to the emergency room. You may work with a care coordinator, patient navigator, social worker, or nurse to decide where to go when you leave the hospital and help you connect with resources in your hometown community.
Throughout your stroke recovery, find rehabilitation and care services to meet your needs at Essentia. Learn about:
- Inpatient stroke rehabilitation – Stay at Essentia Health-Duluth and regain skills, strength, and independence through Miller-Dwan Rehabilitation Services’ CARF-accredited Stroke Specialty Program
- Skilled nursing and long-term care – Get 24/7 care along with rehabilitation services
- Home health care – Receive care and therapy in your home
- Outpatient rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy – Live at home and visit a therapy center for rehabilitation services
- Neuropsychology services – Assess how stroke has impacted your thinking abilities
- Balance – Does the person have sudden loss of balance?
- Eyes – Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
- Face – Smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms – Raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech – Repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?
- Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 right away.