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Ask an Expert
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase the risk of ischemic stroke (lacunar stroke is a subtype of ischemic stroke). Although the absolute risk of complications such as stroke is relativel... continue reading about What are the effects of hormone replacement therapy on a person who has a history of lacunar stroke?
Frank L. Anderson, M.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?
That's a great question and one everyone has thought about at some point. Stool color is determined by a combination of bile, what you eat that isn't absorbed, and how fast or slowly the intestinal stream moves... continue reading about What does stool color tell me? Aside from bloody or black, are there other colors I should be concerned about?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?
Every stroke patient is different, and each patient's recovery varies depending on several factors. We do know that intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy can significanly impact and improve a pat... continue reading about My dad had a stroke two months ago. He is still having some trouble with walking and speaking. Can you tell me if a stroke victim can ever return to "normal"?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of having a stroke?
There are several things that a patient can do to prevent a stroke. First and foremost, make sure that you are following up with your primary doctor to ensure that all of your possible stroke risk factors are t... continue reading about Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of having a stroke?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?
There are several things that a patient can do to prevent another stroke or TIA. First and foremost, the patient should make sure that they are following up with their primary doctor or neurologist, to ensure t... continue reading about My dad had a stroke about a year ago and is doing better now, but it made me wonder - is there any way to prevent another one from happening (like a better diet, exercise)?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a 4mm brain aneurism. My doctor told me that surgery is not performed until the aneurism is at least 7mm. I have an MRI every year and the size has not changed. Should I be concerned and doing something more?
In general, the risk of bleeding from a 4mm aneurysm is less than a larger (7mm) aneurysm; however the risk may vary depending on the location, morphology, and other characteristics of the aneurysm. Therefore, ... continue reading about Two years ago I was diagnosed with a 4mm brain aneurism. My doctor told me that surgery is not performed until the aneurism is at least 7mm. I have an MRI every year and the size has not changed. Should I be concerned and doing something more?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Migraine and stroke symptoms seem to overlap. How do I know I'm just having a migraine and not a stroke?
Some migraines can be associated with neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling, vision and speech changes, and some strokes can be associated with headaches. Therefore, sometimes it is difficu... continue reading about Migraine and stroke symptoms seem to overlap. How do I know I'm just having a migraine and not a stroke?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
My mom had a stroke about seven months ago. Although she is slowly recovering from it, she seems depressed to me. Is this just part of the recovery, or should I talk to her about it so that she can get some sort of treatment?
Depression is a common occurrence after stroke, and can occur in approximately 20-60 percent of stroke patients, depending on which research study you look at. The depressive symptoms may be in addition to the ... continue reading about My mom had a stroke about seven months ago. Although she is slowly recovering from it, she seems depressed to me. Is this just part of the recovery, or should I talk to her about it so that she can get some sort of treatment?
Nobl Barazangi, M.D., Ph.D.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Are there symptoms of a brain tumor and, if so, what are they?
A brain tumor can present in many ways, depending on the size, location, and type of the brain tumor. Symptoms can include progressively worsening headaches or a new headache, nausea/vomiting, seizures, new neu... continue reading about Are there symptoms of a brain tumor and, if so, what are they?
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