The Think Neuro podcast from Pacific Neuroscience Institute takes you into the clinic, operating room and laboratory with doctors and surgeons who are tackling the most challenging brain diseases and disorders. Host: Anthony Effinger

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Episode 44: Show Notes

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. That adds up to about 800,000 Americans a year. Yet, not everyone knows what a stroke is, or what the symptoms are. Very simply, a stroke is either a blockage or a rupture in a blood vessel that deprives the brain of blood. Blockages are most common, and the symptoms include difficulty with speaking or walking, paralysis in the face, arms of legs, and headache. Dr. Sandra Narayan is a surgeon who treats strokes.

The good news, she says, is that a healthy lifestyle can help most people avoid stroke. Listen to this podcast to find out about those healthy habits, and to learn why it’s best to call 911 when symptoms appear instead of having a friend or family member drive you to the hospital. Hint: Artificial intelligence is getting involved, in a very helpful way.

About Dr. Sandra Narayanan

Sandra Narayanan, MD, FAHA, FANA, FSVIN, FAAN, is board-certified in neurology and vascular neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and CAST (Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training)-certified in neuroendovascular surgery. She is a vascular neurologist and neurointerventional surgeon at Pacific Stroke & Neurovascular Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute. She is director of the neurointerventional program and co-director of the stroke program at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank.