Stroke Signs, Symptoms & Care

John Hoyt stroke survivor

Comprehensive Stroke Care

As a Joint Commission-accredited and certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and leading provider of comprehensive stroke care, Spectrum Health is committed to fostering better outcomes for stroke patients. Our specialized neurovascular team, one of the largest of its kind in Michigan, has the expertise to provide the highest level of medical and surgical stroke treatment. The team consists of fellowship-trained, board-certified vascular neurologists and vascular neurosurgeons, as well as neurointerventional, neurocritical care and neurorehabilitation specialists.   

Why a Comprehensive Stroke Center
Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T
Prevent a Stroke: Know Your Risk
Treatments for Stroke
Stroke Rehabilitation
Spectrum Health Neurovascular Clinic
Meet Your Provider Team
Patient Stories
Stroke Support Group
Stroke Caregiver Support Group
Stroke Research
Stroke Outcomes (pdf)

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

To learn more visit the American Heart Association.

How does a stroke occur?

There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. 
  

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain are clogged or constricted preventing blood flow to the brain. This can happen in two different ways: 

  • Thrombotic Ischemic Stroke: caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in an artery going to the brain. This type of blood clot develops within the artery as a result of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
  • Embolic Ischemic Stroke: caused by a clot that forms in the heart or the neck arteries and travels to the brain. This type of blood clot often develops from an irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation. 

Hemorrhagic Stroke 

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. This can happen in two different ways:

  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Stroke: occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds between the brain and the skull. The most common cause is a ruptured aneurysm (a blood filled pouch that balloons out from an artery wall).
  • Intracerebral Hemorrhage Stroke: occurs when a blood vessel bleeds into the deep tissue in the brain. Untreated high blood pressure and aging vessels are the main cause.