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Stroke Care

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.

A stroke happens when blood flow is blocked from the brain. Often, this is because of a blood clot. The faster a person can get emergency care after the initial signs of a stroke, the more options are available to minimize damage. Our experienced team is here to help those experiencing a stroke.

How can you tell if someone is having a stroke?

It's important to be able to spot the signs of a stroke so you can get medical attention as soon as possible. One way to do this is to remember the acronym BE FAST:

  • Balance: Sudden loss of coordination or balance.
  • Eyes: Sudden change in vision.
  • Face: Sudden weakness on one side of the face or facial droop.
  • Arms: Sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness.
  • Speech:Sudden slurred speech, trouble speaking, trouble understanding speech. 
  • Terrible Headache: Sudden onset of a terrible headache.

Ways to prevent strokes:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Manage blood pressure — high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke
  • Control blood sugar — especially important for those with diabetes
  • Quit smoking — smoking greatly increases stroke risk
  • Exercise regularly — aim for at least 30 minutes most days
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet — low in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars
  • Limit alcohol use — heavy drinking can raise stroke risk
  • Manage cholesterol levels
  • Work with your healthcare provider — especially if you have atrial fibrillation or other risk factors

How are strokes treated?

For patients experiencing a stroke, our team will provide emergent care, beginning with a computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) to determine the location and size of the clot. They will have a Neurologist or Tele-Neurologist evaluate the patient and make recommendations. If the patient is eligible, a clot-busting medication through an IV will be discussed.

If determined necessary, our experts may recommend an endovascular thrombectomy to remove the blockage. With this procedure, the clot is removed and blood flow is restored.

What is interventional neurology?

Interventional neurology is a cutting-edge medical specialty focusing on minimally invasive techniques to treat conditions affecting the brain and spine’s blood vessels. With faster recovery times and lower risk of complications, interventional neurology doctors, called interventional neurologists, are revolutionizing stroke and neurological care.

If determined necessary, our experts will then perform an endovascular thrombectomy in our hybrid operating room, to remove the blockage. With this procedure, the clot is removed and blood flow is restored.

What happens after the clot is removed?

Once an active stroke is resolved, ongoing follow-up care is essential. Most patients benefit from stroke rehabilitation, which helps address a wide range of stroke-related challenges. Comprehensive rehab is typically provided during the hospital stay and continues after discharge, through both inpatient and outpatient services.