Strokes Specialist

Gables Neurology

Andrew M. Lerman, MD

Adult Neurology & Epilepsy Specialist located in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL

Every year, nearly 800,000 people in the United States have a stroke, which disrupts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain that may lead to brain damage. Strokes require ongoing medical care and management to support recovery and prevent a recurrence. At Gables Neurology in Miami, Florida, Andrew Lerman, MD and the team provide comprehensive care for patients following strokes. That includes inpatient management and outpatient care. For comprehensive and personalized care for strokes, call the office or request a consultation online today.

Strokes Q & A

What are strokes?

Strokes occur when there’s a disruption in blood flow to the brain, preventing cells from getting the necessary oxygen and nutrients they need. 

You may be at greater risk of having a stroke if you have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Your risk of having a stroke also increases as you get older. 

What are the types of strokes?

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Ischemic stroke

With an ischemic stroke, a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. It is the most common type of stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. 

Some people also develop a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. During a TIA, you have a temporary blockage of blood flow, and there’s no permanent damage to your brain cells. However, if you have a TIA, you’re at greater risk of having a stroke. 

What are the symptoms of strokes?

Strokes are medical emergencies, and symptoms tend to occur suddenly. Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty speaking or seeing
  • Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (usually only one side)
  • Trouble walking or maintaining balance
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden severe head pain

If you or someone you love has these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Delaying treatment may increase the risk of brain damage and disability. 

How are strokes diagnosed?

At Gables Neurology, the team diagnoses strokes in the inpatient and outpatient setting. During your initial inpatient evaluation, they review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical. They may also request a CT scan or MRI of your brain. 

For their outpatient stroke patients, the team uses long-term cardiac monitoring and ultrasound testing of the carotid artery to find causes and risks of stroke or mini-stroke. They also use the information from the diagnostic tests to develop an effective treatment plan. 

How are strokes treated?

Through their partnership with the Baptist Health neurovascular team, Dr. Lerman and the team have access to the most up-to-date and effective treatments for the management of their inpatient stroke patients. Treatment may include speech, physical, occupational, and visual rehabilitation.

In the outpatient setting, Dr. Lerman focuses on treating post-stroke consequences and issues such as mood changes, emotional control, and physical disability. He uses cutting-edge medications to improve mood disorders, cognitive effects, and gait instability.

Dr. Lerman also uses medications like Botox® to control post-stroke spasticity. Additionally, the team provides treatment to prevent another stroke, such as antiplatelet or coagulation therapy.

Call Gables Neurology, or book an appointment online today for expert stroke care.