Dr. Tigran Khachatryan, MD, PhD.

Acute Ischemic Stroke

What is an Acute Ischemic Stroke?

An Acute Ischemic Stroke happens when a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies the brain. Because brain cells need constant blood flow, symptoms can appear suddenly and may worsen over minutes to hours. Many families search for the best stroke care in Glendale, CA, soon after discharge because the first weeks of recovery often shape long-term function.

Rehabilitation focuses on helping you regain skills affected by the stroke, such as walking, balance, speech, swallowing, vision, and memory. Progress can be steady or gradual, and your plan should match your specific stroke location, overall health, and daily goals.

Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment in Glendale, CA

Secondary prevention of stroke usually starts with identifying the cause of the stroke and a step-by-step plan how to prevent another stroke from happening. For many patients, stroke rehabilitation in Glendale, CA, becomes the next step after hospital discharge, and planning early can reduce confusion at home.

I am Tigran Khachatryan, MD, PhD, a neurovascular and endovascular neurologist practicing at the Armenian Neuroscience Institute. In my practice, I evaluate the stroke mechanism, review brain and blood vessel imaging, and look for medical issues that can increase the risk of another stroke or slow recovery, such as uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, sleep problems, or depression.

When people begin stroke rehabilitation in Glendale, consistent follow-up helps keep therapy and prevention moving in the same direction. My clinical focus includes vascular neurology and endovascular and interventional neurology.

If you searched for the best stroke rehabilitation in Glendale, CA, because you want careful follow-up after a hospital stay, I can help guide next steps, coordinate appropriate therapies, and monitor for complications that need prompt attention.

Endovascular Procedures for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Some patients need urgent, catheter-based treatment at the time of stroke to restore blood flow or stabilize narrowed arteries. The procedures below are options I may use in selected situations, depending on the location of the blockage, the timing of symptoms, and overall medical risk.

01.

Diagnostic Cerebral Angiogram (Sometimes)

This catheter-based test provides a detailed map of the brain and neck arteries in real time. I may recommend it when CT or MRI angiography cannot fully define the degree if the blockage or when precise vessel anatomy is needed before an intervention. The goal is clearer decision-making and safer treatment planning during emergencies.

02.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Treatment of Acute Stroke

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a clot from a large brain artery using a catheter system. The goal is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible. When performed in appropriate patients, it may limit stroke size and support better recovery of function over time.

03.

Mechanical Thrombectomy and Angioplasty for Treatment of Acute Stroke Due to Tandem Occlusions

Some strokes involve a clot in the brain and a severe narrowing in a neck artery feeding it. In tandem occlusions, I may combine thrombectomy with angioplasty to improve inflow and stabilize circulation. In selected cases, stenting may be considered based on anatomy, bleeding risk, and needed medications when appropriate.

04.

Angioplasty and Stenting of Extracranial Arteries (Sometimes)

Extracranial arteries are the larger vessels in the neck, including the carotid arteries. If a critical narrowing contributes to symptoms or raises concern for early recurrence, angioplasty with possible stenting may be considered. I review plaque features, brain imaging, risk, and medication tolerance to individualize recommendations safely for each patient.

05.

Angioplasty and Stenting of Intracranial Arteries (Sometimes)

Intracranial arteries are smaller and more delicate, so treatment decisions require extra caution. In selected situations, angioplasty and stenting may be used for severe narrowing when symptoms continue despite medical therapy. I base recommendations on imaging, stability, and a careful discussion of benefits and risks in rare situations with monitoring.

Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly. Call 911 right away if you notice face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty. Other warning signs include sudden numbness on one side, severe dizziness or loss of balance, new vision loss, confusion, or a severe headache with no apparent cause.

After the emergency phase, symptoms that affect daily life may include weakness, fatigue, spasticity, trouble using a hand, changes in walking, problems with attention or memory, mood changes, and swallowing difficulty. These issues are common after Acute Ischemic Stroke, and they can often improve with a structured rehabilitation plan and consistent follow-up.

Causes and Risk Factors for Acute Ischemic Stroke

An Acute Ischemic Stroke most often occurs because a clot forms on a narrowed artery, a clot travels from the heart, or small-vessel disease limits blood flow deep in the brain. Smoking, atrial fibrillation, carotid artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea can all increase risk.

Understanding the cause matters because it guides prevention. Treatment may involve antiplatelet medication, anticoagulation, cholesterol-lowering therapy, blood pressure control, and lifestyle changes. Imaging of head and neck blood vessels and heart rhythm monitoring may be recommended so that the prevention plan matches your specific stroke mechanism.

Get an Appointment for Stroke Follow-Up and Recovery Planning

If you or a family member is leaving the hospital, it is reasonable to set up follow-up quickly. I offer the best stroke rehabilitation in Glendale, CA, with a clear plan that covers recovery goals and prevention at the same time. New patients are welcome, and expedited appointments are available.

I see patients at the Glendale office of the Armenian Neuroscience Institute, located at 1505 Wilson Terrace, Suite 150, Glendale, CA 91206. Office hours include Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and appointments are required. To request a visit, call +1 (833) 888-9933 during call hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

If you are concerned about a new, sudden neurological symptom, do not wait for a clinic visit. In that situation, urgent evaluation is needed, and people commonly look up emergency stroke treatment in Glendale, CA, while trying to decide what to do next.

Testimonials

What Our Patients Said

We take pride in the difference we make in our patients’ lives. Here’s what they have to say about their journey to recovery with us:

Ronald Carlson

Patient

"I had trouble lifting my arm after a shoulder injury. The team at Telegraph Road helped me regain full mobility with targeted exercises, and now I'm back to working out!"

Barclay Page

Patient

"I couldn't walk without pain after my knee surgery. Thanks to their dedicated care and therapy, I'm now walking, climbing stairs, and doing things I thought I'd never do again."

Leroy Taylor

Patient

"After years of back pain, I thought it would never get better. But with personalized therapy, I'm finally pain-free and able to keep up with my kids again!"

Philbert Cobb

Patient

"My balance was off after my stroke, and I felt unsafe. The therapists at Telegraph Road gave me the confidence and strength to move safely and independently again."

Elena Mack

Patient

"From the very first session, I noticed a significant reduction in my pain levels. The chiropractor used gentle adjustments and targeted techniques to address the root cause of my pain. Over time, my mobility has increased."

Faqs

Frequently Asked Questions