MD Dr. Rudolph is director of Beth Israel's new stroke prevention program, a component of the department of neurology's comprehensive stroke center, headed by Dr. Matthew E. Fink, chairman of neurology. Dr. Rudolph has had a special interest in stroke for the past ten years, and has been involved in research studies on new medications to prevent disability in stroke. He is an expert in the use of diagnostic ultrasound in stroke. Stroke can be a devastating illness for both patient and family. Often it occurs with sudden cruelty, leaving a person changed forever.
Stroke is our third leading cause of death following heart disease and cancer.
Every year more than half a million new stroke occur in our country, with many patients suffering significant disability. Brain cells are damaged and die due to the lack of oxygen carried by blood. Bleeding into the brain causes another type of stroke, known as hemorrhage. This is by far the most important risk factor for stroke. Hypertension may have no symptoms, and not only leads to stroke, but may damage the heart, kidneys and other organs.