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Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD is a vascular neurologist in Durham, NC specializing in vascular neurology. He graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School in 2019 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD is affiliated with Duke Health.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain suddenly ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes, and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.
Hemorrhagic strokes are particularly dangerous, as they may go undetected. For example, someone who forcefully hits his head may simply ice his wound and not seek medical treatment, unaware that blood is leaking into his brain from a ruptured vessel. When blood leaks into the brain, the blood gathers and begins to compress the brain tissue. At the same time, the damaged vessel does not deliver blood as it normally does. Since the brain cannot function without a steady supply of blood oxygen and nutrients, the brain begins to die and may cease functioning. Hemorrhagic strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, and physical functioning and may even cause death.
Certain risk factors may increase one's likelihood for developing a hemorrhagic stroke:
There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke: intracranial hemorrhage stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage stroke. Intracranial hemorrhages cause bleeding inside of the brain, while subarachnoid hemorrhages happen when bleeding occurs in the region between the brain membrane and the brain. Both types of hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment, which can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of hemorrhagic stroke include:
When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Treatment generally begins immediately if a stroke is detected.
Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges) rupture, surgery might be performed to stem the bleeding. Another treatment is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) is used to place a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. A similar technique is stent-assisted coiling, which adds a stent (small wire-meshed tube) into the blood vessel to block the leaking opening of the aneurysm. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.
Hemorrhagic stroke patients who may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from a neurologist, who can develop individual treatment plans, and rehabilitation psychologists who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, rehabilitation from hemorrhagic stroke can last for years.
If someone begins to show signs of hemorrhagic stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately, since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate hemorrhagic stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is the more common form of stroke and occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots or by built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol) in the arteries and are dangerous medical events that require immediate treatment.
Ischemic strokes are severe because it restricts blood flow and an inadequate blood supply damages the brain, which cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic strokes may alter appearance by leaving one side of the face paralyzed, also affecting speech and communication. Additionally, ischemic strokes can result in impaired movement, cognitive ability, and can impede important physical functions like walking.
The main cause of ischemic stroke is from plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol) accumulating in blood vessels. Plaque causes atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden with cholesterol, fat, and calcium, causing damage to the endothelium (inner layer of cells in the arteries), which in turn restricts blood flow. At some point, a large blockage of plaque or bits of broken up plaque may result in an ischemic stroke.
People who are older are more likely to have ischemic strokes due to accumulated plaque. Additionally, certain repeated behaviors are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. These behaviors include:
Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high levels of cholesterol and lipids are also known to be correlated with ischemic strokes. If possible, people are advised to avoid modifiable risk factors (factors one can change themselves) such as smoking and lack of exercise by keeping an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.
Signs of stroke include:
When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Hospital treatment generally begins immediately if a stroke is detected.
Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed using a catheter (thin needle) to the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.
Ischemic stroke patients who have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brain was obstructed may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, ischemic stroke rehabilitation can last for years.
If someone begins to show signs of ischemic stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate ischemic stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.
Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD graduated from University of Minnesota Medical School in 2019. He completed residency at University of Minnesota Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in North Carolina.
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School (2019)
Residency: University of Minnesota Affiliated Hospitals (2024)
Licensed In: North Carolina
Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: MedCost, Aetna Traditional Choice, Aetna Medicare PPO, BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina, CIGNA Open Access Plus, WellCare, AmeriHealth, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, AARP, CIGNA Open Access, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare HMO, Aetna, Aetna Workers' Compensation, TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, United Healthcare, Aetna Open Choice PPO, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, TRICARE, Alliance Health, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Aetna HMO, Gateway Health Alliance, *Duke HomeCare and Hospice does not participate in the plan., Duke Employee Plans, Blue Options (123, PPO, HSA), *Duke HomeCare and Hospice and mental health providers do not participate with the plan., Aetna Choice POS, Aetna Choice POS II, Aetna Quality Point of Service (QPOS), Blue Advantage (*Available in select counties only), Aetna Medicare Value Plan (HMO), Duke Basic, Trillium, Experience Health, Ambetter, Aetna Select HMO, Aetna PCP Coordinated POS Plan, Blue Select, Blue Medicare (HMO, PPO)*, Healthy Blue, Aetna Limited Benefit Insurance PPO, All Savers Fully Insured, Aetna Health Network Only, Aetna Health Network Option, Blue Value (*Duke Health Lake Norman and Kernodle Clinics only), Carolina Complete Health, First Medicare Direct, Duke Advantage, Healthgram, TRICARE Select, Partners, All Savers Alternate Funding, Aetna Medicare Assure Plan (HMO D-SNP), Duke USA, Aetna/CVS Health, Vaya Health, Aetna Elect Choice HMO, Aetna Open Access Elect Choice, Aetna Voluntary Indemnity Group Plan, Duke Select, Duke Options, Aetna Open Access HMO, Open Access Aetna Select, Aetna Open Access Managed Choice, NC State Employees Health Plan, Ambetter of North Carolina and United Medical Resources (UMR).
According to our sources, Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 32 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Salman Ikramuddin, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Durham, NC.
Dr. Salman Ikramuddin is a Durham, NC physician who specializes in vascular neurology. He is especially interested in transient ischemic attack (TIA), hemorrhagic stroke, and ischemic stroke. He is affiliated with Duke Health. Dr. Ikramuddin obtained his medical school training at the University of Minnesota Medical School and performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Minnesota. Blue California, CIGNA Plans, and TRICARE seem to be the insurance carriers that Dr. Ikramuddin accepts.
