Stroke

Learn to identify the symptoms of stroke. If you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Every second counts!

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain become blocked or burst, interrupting the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.  

Without oxygen, the brain cells begin to die immediately.

Types of Stroke

• A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when these blood vessels burst.

• An ischemic stroke occurs when these blood vessels are blocked by a clot.

• A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is not a stroke but shares similar characteristics because it occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. A TIA typically has a shorter duration and doesn't cause irreversible neurological damage.

Prevention

Anyone can have a stroke.

Some factors cannot be changed, while others are linked to lifestyle factors that you can control. Learn more about stroke prevention.

Rehabilitation

UM Capital Region Health offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary and individual stroke rehabilitation to help stroke patients recover and maximize their potential.

A Leader in Stroke Care

UM Capital Region Health offers comprehensive care for strokes, from initial diagnosis to rehabilitation and recovery.

We are a designated Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and have received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award.

When you arrive at our emergency room with stroke symptoms, our stroke team diagnoses your condition and delivers lifesaving treatment.

If you think you or a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.