Strokes strike fast and, unfortunately, all too often. These conditions can be devastating. Every year, they are a leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability.
When you recognize a stroke and quickly get the right help, you have the best chance for a meaningful recovery. Emory Stroke Center has dedicated stroke teams and everything you need for fast diagnosis and treatment. You get a level of care here that you won’t just find at any hospital.
Emory Healthcare has comprehensive stroke centers, primary stroke centers and acute stroke-ready hospitals. Additionally, we’re certified by The Joint Commission, which speaks to the quality of care we provide.
As our patient, you have access to the most modern stroke technology and the latest stroke therapies. Our neurointensive care unit (NICU) gives you the best possible stroke and neurologic care. Our specialized approach means more patients survive and experience less severe complications.
You also benefit from the knowledge, experience and research of our stroke specialists and the entire Emory team. You’ll see firsthand what places us among the best stroke centers in the country.
A stroke is sometimes called a brain attack. It occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to your brain. There are two types of stroke:
The sooner we restore blood flow to the brain, the better the outcome will likely be. This makes it vital to recognize the signs of a stroke. Use the acronym BE-FAST to recognize stroke symptoms:
B – Balance. Loss of balance
E – Eyes. Blurred vision or loss of vision
F – Face. Weakness on one side of the face
A – Arm. Weakness of an arm or leg
S – Speech. Difficulty speaking
T – Time. Time to call 9-1-1 if any of these symptoms occur
If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. Note the time symptoms started. Medications and procedures to reduce your risk of long-term disability from stroke are most effective when treated early after symptoms start. Even if symptoms get better, seek immediate help as this could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a warning sign for a potentially future stroke.
Anyone can have a stroke, but certain factors increase your risk. Some are genetic. Others are related to your lifestyle or medical conditions.
Risk factors you cannot change include:
Risk factors you can modify with lifestyle changes, medication or surgery include:
Our experts deal with stroke every day. We know the warning signs. Plus, we have the most advanced technology available to diagnose stroke and conditions that may lead to them.
A fast diagnosis leads to fast treatment. Neuroimaging and other technologies we offer include:
To refer a patient to the Emory Stroke Center, please email neuro.stroke@emoryhealthcare.org or complete this referral form and fax it to 404-778-6022.
If you would like a consultation or advice, we can connect you to an Emory Healthcare provider. Our referral specialists are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Please call us at 404-778-5050 or 800-223-6679.
Our referral specialist can also provide:
“I had a unique case in that I was 44 and having a stroke,” says Tiffany. “I’m young and healthy. No issues. No high blood pressure or anything like that. I needed someone who was going to really be persistent about figuring out what caused my stroke. So, I knew I needed to go to Emory.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Up to 80% of strokes may be preventable. There’s no guarantee you’ll avoid a stroke, but your habits may help reduce your risk.
People aged 70 and older have the greatest risk. Although men have a greater risk than women, women tend to have strokes at earlier ages than men (in their 40s and 50s) and are more likely to die from a stroke. Having diabetes and heart disease also increases your risk.
A stroke kills brain cells. The size of a stroke and extent of the brain damage determine how it will affect someone.
People who have a minor stroke may have only slight impairments, such as a weak arm or leg. A massive stroke, however, can cause a person to lose the ability to read, write or speak. It also can cause paralysis.
We offer medical and surgical treatment options for stroke as well as a full range of rehabilitation services.
Create a MyChart account to schedule online.
For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.
For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.
Create a MyChart account to schedule online.
For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.
For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.
