What’s the most important thing to do if you’re having a stroke?

Time lost is brain lost. Stroke is life-threatening or life-changing. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.  Learn to recognize the presentations of stroke. Act immediately. Call 911. Go to the nearest emergency room.

What are those symptoms?

Generally, the symptoms of stroke occur suddenly: weakness, paralysis, numbness, or clumsiness of one side of the body. Other symptoms include slurred speech or speech that is not making sense, double vision, visual loss, marked imbalance, or an unusually severe headache.

What distinguishes the UI Stroke Center?

We offer a full range of services to diagnose, prevent, or treat stroke. We have received certification as a Primary Stroke Center from the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. In addition, we have stroke specialists and resources that are not available in many other hospitals, and we are doing important research in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of stroke. 

You helped author the newest stroke guidelines. What do they say?

That emergency medical personnel should perform quick assessment, draw blood, and alert the nearest “appropriate” hospital (one with the expertise and resources to provide modern stroke care) that a patient with a suspected stroke is coming.

Why should physicians partner with UI for stroke care?

Services and interventions we provide can complement those offered by community hospitals and physicians. We are eager to collaborate. By working together, we can decrease delays and provide state-of-the-art stroke care.