ALERT
If you think you're experiencing a stroke, don't wait.
Call 911.
Ask to be taken to the nearest certified stroke center.
Stroke care, signs, types
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.
Recognize the signs of stroke
Stroke can happen to anyone. Know the signs:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing from one eye, or one side
- Face: Facial weakness or numbness, an uneven smile or weakness on one side
- Arms: Arm or leg weakness or numbness, including an inability to raise both arms evenly
- Speech: Slurred or difficulty expressing or understanding conversations
- Time: Time is brain, and every minute counts. Call 911!
Types of Stroke
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.