Two adults walk together outdoors showing balance mobility and support during recovery after stroke or vascular care.

Stroke and Vascular Neurology

Expert stroke care when every second counts

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IWhen it comes to stroke, fast and specialized care can make all the difference. At UTMB Health, our stroke and vascular neurology team is here to provide lifesaving treatment and expert recovery support for you or your loved one.

You’ll be cared for by a team that includes neurologists, neurointerventional specialists, and rehabilitation experts who work together to diagnose, treat, and support stroke recovery using the latest technology and research. From emergency treatment to long-term care, UTMB is with you every step of the way.

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In the Health Blog
A neurologist reviews brain imaging while documenting findings during a stroke and vascular neurology evaluation.

  Conditions We Treat

Carotid Artery Stenosis
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
Post-Stroke Spasticity
Transient Ischemic Attack
A neurologist explains brain imaging results to a patient during a stroke and vascular neurology consultation.

  Services & Procedures

We've highlighted some of the most common services—please explore the conditions list for treatments by condition.

Botox for Spasticity
Diagnostic Cerebral Angiogram
Intracranial Aneurysm Stenting/Coiling
Mechanical Thrombectomy
Thrombolytic Therapy (tPA/TNK)

Can’t find what you're looking for? Contact the care team at the clinic for assistance.

  Your Care Team Each provider may treat different conditions. Click on a profile to see their areas of specialty.

Aigbogun, Julia
Professional headshot of Julia Aigbogun, MD
Julia Aigbogun, MD
Neurology
Bhardwaj, Anish
Professional headshot of Anish Bhardwaj, MD
Anish Bhardwaj, MD
Neurology
Chhabra, Arun
Professional headshot of Arun Chhabra, MD
Arun Chhabra, MD
Neurology
Dabi, Alok
Professional headshot of Alok Dabi, MD
Alok Dabi, MD
Neurology
Fadhil, Ali
Professional headshot of Ali Fadhil, MD
Ali Fadhil, MD
Neurology
Hafeez, Muhammad Ubaid
Professional headshot of Muhammad Ubaid Hafeez, MBBS, MD
Muhammad Ubaid Hafeez, MBBS, MD
Neurology
Kan, Peter
Professional headshot of Peter Kan, MD
Peter Kan, MD
Neurosurgery
Muktadir, Akm
Professional headshot of Akm Muktadir, MD
Akm Muktadir, MD
Neurology
Shaltoni, Hashem
Professional headshot of Hashem Shaltoni, MD
Hashem Shaltoni, MD
Neurology
Zamora, Haley
Professional headshot of Haley Zamora, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, ANVP-BC
Haley Zamora, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, ANVP-BC
Neurology

  Additional Resources

Stroke Treatment and Prevention

Act fast. Get expert care. Reduce your risk. If you think you are having a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. Fast treatment can save brain function and improve recovery.

Know the Signs (FAST)

  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time to call 9-1-1

Treatment at UTMB Health

We provide rapid, advanced stroke care as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

  • Clot-busting medication (tPA) for eligible patients
  • Mechanical thrombectomy to remove clots
  • Emergency care for bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke)
  • Goal: treatment within 60 minutes of arrival

Prevention Starts with You

Up to 80% of strokes may be preventable. Manage your risk by focusing on:

  • Blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)
  • Cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Physical activity and nutrition

Talk with your care team about a plan that works for you.

 Frequently Asked Questions.

Expand All Collapse All

  • What are the signs of a stroke?
    Sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision loss, or balance issues are key warning signs. Call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke.

  • How quickly should stroke be treated?
    A stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment with tPA or thrombectomy within the first few hours offers the best chance for recovery.

  • Who is at risk for stroke?

    Anyone can have a stroke, but some people have a higher risk.

    You may be at higher risk if you:

    • Have high blood pressure (the biggest risk factor)
    • Have diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease
    • Smoke or use tobacco
    • Are overweight or not physically active
    • Drink alcohol in excess

    Risk also increases with:

    • Older age
    • Family history of stroke
    • Certain medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation

    The good news is that many risk factors can be managed. Regular checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your risk.

  • What causes a stroke?

    A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes.

    Common causes include:

    • High blood pressure
    • Blood clots or narrowed arteries
    • Heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation
    • Diabetes and high cholesterol

  • Will recovery occur and how long will it take?

    Many people recover some function after a stroke, but full recovery is less common. Recovery looks different for each person and often happens in stages:

    • Some brain cells are permanently damaged. These cells do not recover.
    • Other cells can heal. Cells that were only partly affected may begin working again as swelling goes down, usually in the first few weeks.
    • The brain can adapt. Healthy areas of the brain may take over some lost functions over time.
    • People learn new ways to do things. Therapy and daily practice help patients adjust and regain independence.

    Recovery can take weeks to months, and sometimes longer. Early treatment and rehabilitation can make a big difference.

  • What are the risks of having a second stroke?

    Having one stroke does not mean you will definitely have another. However, some of the conditions that caused the first stroke—such as blood clots or weakened blood vessels—may still be present, which can increase your risk. The good news is that you can lower your risk by:

    • Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
    • Taking medications as prescribed
    • Eating a healthy diet and staying active
    • Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol

    Your care team will work with you to create a plan to help prevent another stroke.

Stroke Survivorship and Support

Life after stroke looks different for everyone. You may notice changes in movement, thinking, or emotions. Many people continue to improve over time—sometimes for years.

Rehabilitation focuses on helping you regain independence and return to daily life, including time with family, friends, work, and your community. With the right care and support, recovery can continue long after a stroke.

Stroke Rehabilitation at UTMB Health

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps you build skills for everyday activities, such as dressing, eating, and personal care, so you can stay as independent as possible.

Visit Occupational Therapy at UTMB Health for more information.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, strength, and balance. It can also help manage pain and prevent complications after a stroke.

Visit Physical Therapy at UTMB Health for more information.

Stroke by the Numbers

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability.

Stroke reduces mobility in more than half of survivors age 65 and older.
Stroke causes about 140,000 deaths each year—about 1 out of every 20 deaths.
Someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of stroke about every 3 to 4 minutes.
Each year, about 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. About 610,000 are first-time strokes.
Nearly 1 in 4 strokes occurs in someone who has had a previous stroke.
About 87% of strokes are ischemic, caused by blocked blood flow to the brain.
Stroke risk and outcomes are not the same for everyone. Black adults have a higher risk of stroke and higher death rates than other groups.
Stroke costs the United States an estimated $34 billion each year, including health care and lost productivity.

Stroke Myths and Facts

Although stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability, there are still many misconceptions. Here are some of the most common:

Myth:

Fact:

Stroke cannot be prevented.

Up to 80% of strokes may be preventable by managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity.

There is no treatment for stroke.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 right away. Treatments are available and can reduce brain damage if given quickly.

Stroke only affects older adults.

Stroke can happen at any age, including in younger adults and children .

Stroke happens in the heart.

Stroke occurs in the brain when blood flow is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. It is sometimes called a “brain attack.”

Recovery only happens in the first few months after a stroke.

Recovery can continue for months or even years. Progress may slow over time, but improvements are still possible.

Strokes are rare.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 people have a stroke each year.

Strokes are not hereditary.

Family history can increase your risk, especially when combined with other risk factors.

If stroke symptoms go away, you don’t need medical care.

Even temporary symptoms can be a warning sign called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). This is a medical emergency and should be evaluated right away.

  Our Locations

Neurodiagnostics, Angleton DBB
Neurodiagnostics, Clear Lake Campus
Neurodiagnostics, League City Campus
Neurodiagnostics, PCP Galveston
Neurology, Angleton DBB
Neurology, Clear Lake Campus
Neurology, Friendswood
Neurology, League City Campus
Neurology, PCP Galveston
Exterior view of the UTMB Health Clear Lake Campus building with palm trees and landscaped flowers in the foreground.

UTMB Clear Lake Campus recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Clear Lake Campus has received certification from DNV Healthcare USA as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events and complications.

With extensive experience in certifying stroke centers around the world, DNV is a trusted certifying body that ensures high-quality stroke care. 

“We are excited to achieve this prestigious certification almost five years from opening these doors,” said Michelle Vu, service line director, Neurosciences, and instructor for Advanced Stroke Life Support at UTMB. “This certification means that the UTMB Clear Lake Campus is capable of providing high-quality care to high-acuity stroke patients."

The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. It affirms that the UTMB Clear Lake Campus addresses the full spectrum of stroke care—diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education—and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

Comprehensive stroke centers typically are the largest and best-equipped hospitals that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines to which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate, reimbursable care.

“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” DNV President Kelly Proctor said. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

DNV is a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider that advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks and drives innovative solutions.

Certifications enable customers and stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence, continually improve and sustainably realize long-term strategic goals.