Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD is a vascular neurologist in Boston, MA specializing in vascular neurology. She graduated from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD is affiliated with Trinity Health of New England, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Albany Med Faculty Physicians and MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL PHYSICIANS ORGANIZATION INC.
125 Nashau Street Suite 660
Boston, MA 02114
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
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.
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is ruptured or blocked. The brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, so when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, even for a brief moment, brain cells begin to die. When a sufficient number of brain cells die, the brain itself can no longer function, meaning that strokes are very dangerous. Strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, the impairment of important physical functions, and even death.
Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age and health. Strokes are known to happen at random. However, certain conditions and behaviors can increase one's risk of stroke over time.
Risk factors for stroke include:
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly and is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Blockages are caused by blood clots and built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol), which leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden. The resultant restricted blood flow may lead to an ischemic stroke by blocking essential oxygen to the brain, causing the heart to exert more effort to pump blood.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage.
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.
Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment. Medical intervention can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of stroke include:
-Disorientation or confusion
-Difficulty speaking
-Difficulty walking
-Impaired vision
-Weakness in the face, legs, or arms
-Severe headaches
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 begins generally 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 by inserting a catheter (thin needle) into 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.
Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the rupture of an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges), surgery to stem the bleeding aneurysm and vessel may be used. One surgical 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. A non-surgical procedure is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) places a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.
Since stroke patients may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed, both ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke patients 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, stroke rehabilitation can last for years.
If someone begins to show signs of stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to help avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD treated as a vascular neurologist in Boston, MA were hospital care and inpatient care.
| 110 | |
| 228 | |
| 228 |
Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD graduated from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is certified by the Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has a state license in Massachusetts.
Medical School: Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons
Board Certification: Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Licensed In: Massachusetts
Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, MultiPlan, United Healthcare, Tufts Health Plan, Aetna, TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Coventry, Cigna, Blue California, Beech Street, WellPoint, Medicare ACO, WellSense, Senior Whole Health, Fallon Health, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Maine Community Health Options, MassHealth and WellSense NH.
According to our sources, Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 56 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Mariel Kozberg, MD, PhD from all over the web to help you find the right in Boston, MA.
Dr. Mariel Kozberg is a medical specialist in vascular neurology. She attended Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons for medical school and subsequently trained at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital for residency. Her clinical interests encompass stroke. Dr. Kozberg usually is in-network for Blue California, Coventry, and Viant, as well as other insurance carriers. Her hospital/clinic affiliations include Albany Med Faculty Physicians, Johnson Memorial Hospital (Connecticut), and Massachusetts General Hospital.
