⚡ Understanding Acute Stroke – Internist PCP Geriatrics Medicare Doctor Georgetown TX
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Nov 7, 2025
- 4 min read
🚨 What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced. Without enough oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes — making stroke one of the most time-sensitive emergencies in medicine.
Knowing the warning signs and acting fast can literally save a life and preserve brain function.
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, our goal is to help patients prevent strokes before they happen — and guide recovery with compassionate, personalized care afterward.
🔎 Common Causes of Stroke
🧠 Blocked artery (ischemic stroke): Caused by a clot preventing blood flow
💔 Leaking or burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke): Caused by bleeding in the brain
⚡ Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Also called a “mini-stroke,” it’s a warning sign that a larger stroke may follow
Risk factors include:
High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Atrial fibrillation
Obesity & sedentary lifestyle
Excessive alcohol or salt intake
🚨 Symptoms – Remember “BE FAST”
When it comes to stroke, every second counts. Use the BE FAST rule:
🅱 Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
👁 Eyes: Blurred or double vision
😷 Face: Drooping on one side of the face
💪 Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm (or leg)
🗣 Speech: Slurred or confused speech
⏰ Time: Call 911 immediately — don’t wait!
Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, it could be a mini-stroke (TIA) and still needs medical evaluation.
⚠️ Why Acting Quickly Matters
Brain tissue starts to die within minutes of losing blood flow. Quick treatment can:
Save brain cells
Prevent long-term disability
Reduce risk of a second stroke
Delaying care can lead to:
Paralysis or weakness on one side
Speech difficulties
Vision loss
Memory and cognitive issues
Permanent disability or death
🧬 What’s Happening Inside the Body (Pathophysiology) by Internist PCP Geriatrics Medicare Doctor Georgetown TX
In a stroke, blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off — either by a clot or a ruptured vessel. Deprived of oxygen, neurons begin to die. Inflammation and swelling follow, which can worsen damage. Rapid treatment restores oxygen and limits the injury.
🌿 Lifestyle Tips to Lower Your Stroke Risk
🩺 Control blood pressure – it’s the #1 preventable cause
💊 Manage diabetes & cholesterol
🚭 Quit smoking – even one cigarette raises risk
🚶 Exercise regularly (30 minutes most days)
🥗 Eat heart-healthy foods – more fruits, veggies, and whole grains
💧 Stay hydrated and limit salt
🧘 Reduce stress and sleep 7–8 hours nightly
💊 Medical Treatments
In the Hospital (Emergency Phase):
Clot-busting drugs (tPA): Must be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset
Thrombectomy: A procedure to remove a clot from a large artery
Supportive care: Blood pressure control, oxygen, and monitoring
After Recovery:
Your primary care physician or geriatric specialist will focus on:
Preventing another stroke
Controlling risk factors (blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol)
Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, or speech therapy)
Medication management and lifestyle guidance
👩⚕️ How We Can Help at Wellness Bay
As your Internist PCP geriatrics Medicare doctor Georgetown TX, we provide:
Comprehensive risk assessments
Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol management
Medication reviews to prevent interactions
Personalized prevention plans
Compassionate follow-up after hospital discharge
We take time to listen, educate, and help you stay healthy and independent after a stroke — or prevent one altogether.
❓ Top 10 FAQs About Stroke
What’s the most common type of stroke?👉 Ischemic strokes (due to blood clots) make up about 85% of all cases.
How fast should I get help?👉 Immediately! The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.
Can strokes be prevented?👉 Yes—most can be avoided with healthy habits and good medical care.
What’s a “mini-stroke”?👉 A transient ischemic attack (TIA) — symptoms last minutes but signal danger.
Do strokes only happen to seniors?👉 No—anyone can have a stroke, but risk increases with age.
What’s recovery like?👉 Depends on the area affected; therapy can greatly improve recovery.
Does high blood pressure cause stroke?👉 Yes—it’s the single greatest risk factor.
Can medication prevent stroke?👉 Yes—blood pressure meds, statins, and sometimes blood thinners can reduce risk.
Can supplements help?👉 Some may support vascular health, but they do not replace prescription medications—always discuss with your doctor.
Where should I go for stroke care and prevention?👉 Start with your Internist PCP geriatrics Medicare doctor Georgetown TX for personalized management.
👩⚕️ When to See a Doctor
Call 911 if stroke symptoms appear — even if they go away.Schedule an appointment if you have:
High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
A family history of stroke
Difficulty maintaining balance or speech
At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we focus on prevention, early detection, and recovery support—because your brain health is worth every minute.
💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together
The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.
📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX
📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online
Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:
Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX
📍 Related Links
