What is Stroke?
UI Health is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, with stroke experts providing the highest level of care 24/7. We know that every stroke is an emergency. We provide rapid consultation for emergency stroke patients, and our door-to-treatment times are among the best in the Chicagoland area.
When blood flow to the brain is disrupted, brain cells begin to die almost immediately. It's essential for treatment to begin as quickly as possible. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons provide some of the most advanced, comprehensive care available for all types of neurological disorders:
Our Comprehensive Stroke Center is staffed around-the-clock by expert stroke doctors, including a board-certified vascular neurologist. We provide rapid consultation for emergency stroke patients, and our door-to-treatment times are among the best in the Chicagoland area.
Stroke
Stroke occurs when a clot disrupts blood flow to the brain. There are two types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or blocked.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts in or near the brain. These strokes are sometimes caused by ruptured aneurysms or abnormal clusters of blood vessels called an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
Our neurosurgeons have pioneered new therapies for the prevention and treatment of stroke, including a unique type of brain imaging designed by one of our physicians. We have the experience and technology to provide the latest in stroke care.
Transient Ischemic Attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) — also referred to as a "mini-stroke" — occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked for a short period of time, such as a few minutes to an hour. Individuals who have a TIA may be at an increased risk for stroke.
Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm — also called a cerebral aneurysm — forms in weak areas of arteries that supply blood to the brain. Over time, the aneurysm can expand and form a bulge that's at risk for leaking or rupturing. Our specialists can treat brain aneurysms surgically or through an endovascular approach.
Brain Hemorrhage
Brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke characterized by bleeding in or surrounding the brain. There are two types of hemorrhage:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood leaks into the brain.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues surrounding the brain.
