Geaux Hero: Oncologist Greg Bizette’s Story of Stroke Survival
As a cancer doctor, Greg Bizette, MD, has spent his career helping patients face their toughest days. But just days after turning 60, he found himself on the other side of the hospital hallway, this time, as the patient. A week and a half before Dr. Bizette celebrated his birthday on March 5, he had…
From the Dugout to the ICU: Coach Lou St. Amant’s Comeback Story
At 86, Coach Lou St. Amant still throws out the first pitch, still shows up for daily Mass and still inspires everyone who knows him. But just a few months ago, he suffered a stroke following a cardiac procedure which could have benched him for good. Thanks to quick action, expert care at St. Francis…
Common Stroke Myths Debunked
Every 3 minutes and 14 seconds an adult in the U.S. dies from stroke, which is about 900,000 lives lost each year. If you or someone you know experience stroke-like symptoms, call 911 immediately. Seconds count. Rapid treatment can limit the impact and reduce recovery time. Saad Karim, MD, vascular neurologist with Our Lady of…
Every Second Counts: Saving Lives with Rapid Response and Expert Care for Stroke Patients
Time is of the essence when someone is experiencing a stroke. That’s why the emergency room team at Our Lady of the Lake – the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence – is prepared to immediately begin assessing and treating possible stroke patients, even before they arrive at the hospital. “If someone is coming…
Boosting Your Brain Health with What You Eat
Health advice seems to evolve daily, but one topic is steadfast: our diet has huge impacts on our overall well-being,…
Baton Rouge mother grateful for every moment after quick treatment helped her recover from a stroke at age 29
It was a routine day in June 2019 when Jessica Pannell dropped off her daughter at daycare. But, within minutes,…
Abbeville plumber back to work after stroke thanks to his wife’s quick thinking and fast care at Our Lady of Lourdes
Connie Gremillion was in her Abbeville home the morning of January 22, 2023, when she heard a sudden crash from the kitchen. Startled, she ran to the room to find her husband Brian on the floor trying to pick up pieces of a coffee cup he dropped. “I asked him what had happened, and I…
Stroke Recovery in the Middle Years
At 49, Shannon’s life took an unexpected turn when a stroke struck without warning. “When I woke up, I was not able to move. I tried to move, but when I got up, I fell,” Shannon says. “My niece had noticed there’s something wrong, so she called 911. They came and took me to the…
The Power of Prompt Action: A Stroke, Fast Treatment and Recovery at St. Francis Medical Center
Although Ms. Willie Mae Davis downplays her experience of having a stroke last November at her home in Bosco, her story is a testament to the importance of fast treatment and care for stroke. “When it happened, it just happened all at once,” Ms. Davis, 78, remembers. “I was coming in the house, made it…
Daughter’s Quick Thinking Leads to Father’s Stroke Recovery
Picture a typical Sunday morning in December. A dad is making breakfast for his daughters before his youngest’s final “Mississippi Ballet Nutcracker” performance. For Ryan McBride, 46, this normal morning routine ended with a medical emergency. Thanks to his daughters’ swift action Ryan was able to get immediate treatment and is recovering from a stroke.…
Protect Your Brain: Understanding Stroke Signs, Treatment and Prevention
Stroke is a leading cause of death in Mississippi and Louisiana, but learning the signs, symptoms and risk factors for stroke can save lives. Ruth K. Fredericks, MD, neurologist and neuro-oncologist who is co-medical director of St. Dominic Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Amber Herron, the center’s program manager, joined us to talk about stroke…
Beyond Age: Stroke Risk and TIAs in Younger People
While strokes are most commonly associated with older people, it’s a misconception that they only happen to the elderly. Data shows that more younger individuals are at risk of experiencing strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIA), also known as “mini-strokes” Ashok Reddy Polu, MD, vascular neurologist and neurohospitalist with Our Lady of the Lake Health…
Stroke Demographics: Who Is Most at Risk and Why?
Several factors increase a person’s risk of having a stroke, and age is the biggest. Stroke risk increases as a person gets older, but strokes can – and do occur at any age, including children. Ashok Reddy Polu, MD, vascular neurologist and neurohospitalist with Our Lady of the Lake Health and The NeuroMedical Center Clinic,…
Reducing Stroke Risk During Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related strokes are among the most common causes of serious, long-term disability after pregnancy. Fortunately, they are rare, happening in only about one to two in 10,000 pregnancies. Allahyar Jazayeri, MD, PhD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist with Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, shares about what expecting moms and women planning to become pregnant…
How to Help During a Seizure
Seizures occur when there are quick changes in the electrical activity in the brain. They may affect both sides of the brain or only one side. Symptoms happen suddenly and can vary depending on the type. Learn more about the different symptoms in our How to Spot a Seizure infographic. Knowing the basics about seizures—and…
How to Spot a Seizure
Because seizures can happen at any moment with little warning, it’s important to understand what to do if you’re around someone who is experiencing one. Learn how to help someone having a seizure to prepare for the worst. Discuss your risk of seizures with your primary care provider. Connect with one of our PCPs here.
What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? A Rare Neurological Condition Explained
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is the second most common cause of facial paralysis after Bell’s Palsy and is considered slightly more severe. The syndrome only occurs in five out of every 100,000 people. A recent celebrity diagnosis presents many questions surrounding the rare syndrome. Laura Hetzler MD, FACS, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery specialist at Our…
Stroke Recovery: What You Should Know
Learn what you should know about recovering from a stroke.
A Mini-Stroke May be a Serious Warning
Learn how a “mini-stroke” may be a warning sign of larger concern.
