The University of South Alabama Physicians Group will sponsor a Lunch ‘N’ Learn community lecture on, “brain attacks,” also known as strokes, on Sept. 28, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. at the USA Knollwood Pavilion Conference Center.

The lecture, entitled “Brain Attack: What You Know Can Mean the Difference of a Lifetime,” will be given by Dr. Richard Zweifler, director of the USA Stroke Center. His presentation will outline patient risk factors, provide information on how to reduce stroke risk and recognize stroke symptoms. Zweifler, who is professor of neurology at the USA College of Medicine, will also present details on the latest medical advances in stroke prevention and intervention.

A “brain attack,” or stroke occurs when a blood vessel or artery that supplies blood to the brain bursts or is blocked. Within minutes, the nerve cells in that area of the brain are damaged and they may die within a few hours. As a result, the part of the body controlled by the damaged section of the brain cannot function properly. Prompt medical treatment is important to minimize damage.

Risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart conditions, smoking and lack of physical activity.

For the past 10 years, Zweifler has served as medical director of the USA Stroke Center. He recently became one of only 225 physicians throughout the United States to hold board certification in vascular neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. This certification identifies a select group of physicians with advance training and experience as vascular neurologists.

Zwiefler’s research areas of interest include acute stroke intervention, therapeutic hypothermia for stroke, and stroke prevention. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters.

The lecture and lunch is provided free of charge. Reservations are required. To make reservations, please call 460-6770 or email bpoppoff@usouthal.edu.

The USA Physicians Group is the clinical practice group of faculty at the USA College of Medicine, where specialists provide a high level of care by blending the most up-to-date treatments found in academic medicine with a high level of customer service found in private practice.