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Category: Highlights

Take Action Against Strokes

Steps to Lower Your Risk

Published on April 28, 2021

Last updated 05:54 PM April 28, 2021

An illustration to symbolize a stroke.

A stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. In fact, every four minutes someone in the United States experiences a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During Stroke Awareness Month this May, Wellstar health experts are spreading the word about how they’re helping Georgians can stay ahead of these life-threatening medical events.

“Because we live in the stroke belt here in Georgia, it is imperative we provide cutting-edge care for stroke victims,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Wellstar’s ability to leverage our hospitals to work as one, cohesive unit and provide the same quality of care across the board really sets our health system apart.”

With the largest Joint Commission stroke-certified network in Georgia and access to advanced stroke care, Wellstar is dedicated to treating strokes faster and more effectively. But while we’re always ready to jump into action with life-saving treatments, stopping a stroke starts with you.

Do your part to lower the risk of a stroke and learn the warning signs that may help save a life.

If you notice the symptoms of a stroke, it’s very important to call 911 right away. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. It is dangerous and can waste crucial time needed to treat a stroke.

- Dr. Rishi Gupta

Wellstar Director of Stroke and Neurocritical Care

Know the risk factors for stroke

Strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts, which can lead to lasting damage or even death. Many common risk factors that increase your chance of a stroke—such as age, gender, race and family medical history—can’t be changed.

However, there are several key risk factors that are within your control, including:

  • Treating high blood pressure. Hypertension is the number one controllable risk factor for strokes, according to the American Stroke Association.
  • Managing diabetes. Whether you have Type 1 or 2 diabetes, it’s important to treat your condition and keep your blood sugar under control to help minimize your risk of a stroke.
  • Prioritizing physical activity. Moving more and sitting less can help lower your risk of a stroke and keep you feeling your best.
  • Quitting smoking. Firsthand and secondhand exposure can not only wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system, but also increase your chance of a stroke.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your likelihood of a stroke or developing chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Living a healthy lifestyle is one of the major ways you can lower your risk of stroke. Even small changes in your daily routine can add up and keep you as healthy as possible.

Early action saves lives

When a stroke strikes, seeking immediate medical care can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery.

“If you notice the symptoms of a stroke, it’s very important to call 911 right away.” Dr. Gupta said, urging people to get medical help as quickly as possible. “Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. It is dangerous and can waste crucial time needed to treat a stroke.”

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke may help you save a life—even your own. Remember to BE FAST, and get help immediately if you notice the symptoms below.

  • Balance—Look for sudden loss of balance or coordination. Symptoms can also include a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.
  • Eyes—Ask if the person is having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes. This can also consist of blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision.
  • Face—See if one side of the face is drooping or feeling numb. Check if the person’s smile appears uneven or lopsided.
  • Arms—Watch for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can raise both arms without one drifting downward.
  • Speech—Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. You can have the person repeat a simple sentence to check their speech abilities.
  • Time—Time is brain. Waiting to get care leads to lasting, irreversible brain damage. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay—call 911 right away.

For more information, visit our Stroke & Aneurysm page or call (770) 956-STAR (7827).

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Rishi Gupta Stroke Care Neuro Care
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Xander was swiftly transported to Wellstar Kennestone, where the trauma team was ready to act. Upon arrival, Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Parry assessed the severity of Xander’s injury: a depressed skull fracture causing seizures.

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Dr. Parry performed an emergency craniotomy to remove the bone pressing on Xander’s brain. The surgery was successful, but the road ahead was uncertain.

“The biggest challenge wasn’t the surgery itself—this is something we do every day,” he said. “It was telling a 16-year-old and his mother that we didn’t know whether he would regain function in his dominant arm.”

Kelly had to trust in the care Xander was receiving. “You don’t know what you’re going to do in that situation. Nothing prepares you,” she said. “I had to have faith that he was in the right hands—and he truly was.”

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The day after Xander’s surgery, Wellstar Kennestone’s physical and occupational therapy teams began working at his bedside to restore movement in his non-functioning arm and leg.

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Xander applied the same fortitude from running to each step of his healing. “Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your biggest supporter,” he said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else believe in you?”

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Xander spent six days at Wellstar Kennestone before being transferred to inpatient rehabilitation. The support from Wellstar’s care team made a lasting impact.

They were there for whatever we needed—compassionate and always listening to Xander’s needs,” Kelly said.

One night during his stay, Xander woke needing help to get to the restroom. When a nurse arrived, he suddenly began seizing. “I’ve never seen eight nurses in a room so quickly,” his mom recalled. “Everyone knew exactly what to do.”

One poignant moment came when Xander’s family had the discus—now a symbol of victory over his injury—signed by his care team.

“It’s rewarding as a physician to know that I played a small part in restoring his ability to use his arm again,” Dr. Parry reflected. “As a parent, I know the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of neurologic recovery. To see Xander move his arms and legs again, as if nothing happened, is a relief that’s indescribable.”

The power of community

Xander’s recovery was supported not only by his family and Wellstar care team, but also by his school and community. After the accident, his track team dedicated the next meet to him, with “Run for Xander” wristbands and signs. A teammate also started a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $13,000 to help with the family’s medical expenses.

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Xander was especially touched by the support. “This whole experience showed me how much my family loves me,” he said. “Seeing my friends, teachers and even family from Texas come to help—it meant so much.”

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After two and a half weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Xander transitioned to outpatient rehab and continued regular follow-ups with Dr. Parry at the Wellstar Neurosurgery clinic. “At each phase, he received the best possible care,” explained Dr. Parry. “That’s why he had such a great outcome.”

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Xander’s progress wouldn’t have been possible without the trauma care network that supported him every step of the way. “The benefit of the trauma network can’t be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “It ensures people get the best possible outcome even on their worst day.”

With expert care and determination, Xander is ready for whatever comes next.

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A thrombectomy is a procedure that treats a stroke without open brain surgery. A tiny catheter is threaded through a blood vessel in the arm or leg to the brain to remove a clot, restoring blood flow to help prevent permanent disability or even death.

“We finished surgery by 11:25 AM,” Dr. Khaldi said—just 20 minutes after the procedure began.

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