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Stroke Center
Know the signs. Get help immediately.
It’s important to know how to recognize a stroke. These are the most common warning signs:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Call 911 immediately if you notice any of the above warning signs of a stroke. Keep in mind, not all of these warning signs are seen in every attack, and some signs may come and go. Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away. The longer a stroke goes without help, the greater the risk for brain damage and potential disability.
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What causes strokes?
A stroke takes place when the brain’s blood supply is suddenly interrupted. This can be caused by a blocked or narrowed artery (ischemic stroke) or by sudden bleeding from the artery (hemorrhagic stroke). In some cases, blood flow to the brain is disrupted (transient ischemic attack, also known as TIA). When the blood supply is interrupted, part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs and it starts to die. When brain cells die, new ones do not replace them. With a brain attack, whether a mild stroke or severe, the goal is to lessen the potentially weakening effects, prevent further damage to the brain and reduce complications.
Most strokes are preventable and many can be treated. But you must seek immediate medical care.
Each year, Regions’ Stroke Center treats more than 700 people who have suffered ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. We serve communities in and around St. Paul, Minnesota, but many people come to us by helicopter or ambulance from more than 25 hospitals throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
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What to expect
When a stroke happens, you must act fast to provide the best chance for a full recovery. Here is what to expect when you or someone else experiences a stroke.
At the scene
The Emergency Response Team will intervene quickly with personnel who are specially trained to recognize and evaluate stroke victims. They're also ready to provide immediate transport for treatment.
In the Emergency Center
Our Rapid Response Stroke Team is onsite 24/7 to quickly assess and treat those who have experienced a stroke. This team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuro-interventionalists, emergency medicine physicians, intensivists, and hospitalists.
A standard physical examination or imaging will guide our team in getting a timely and accurate diagnosis. The appropriate stroke treatment is determined by many factors: the kind of stroke you are having, your symptoms and your overall state of health.
During & after your hospital stay
Our Stroke Care unit specializes in inpatient and critical care. The nursing staff is specially trained to treat and monitor you.
When recovering from a stroke, the type of care varies from patient to patient. We have many stroke recovery services to help you build your strength and confidence and get you back to your daily life. Your care may include all or a combination of the following:
- Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, which take place during your hospital stay (inpatient service) or after you leave the hospital (outpatient service). Stroke therapy can include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational and/or recreational therapy.
- Home health care and follow-up services.
- Social services discharge planning.
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Your team
Our stroke team is dedicated to giving the highest level of care and personal attention to our stroke patients and their loved ones. During your treatment and stroke rehabilitation, you will come in contact with many of these team members:
Emergency medical services (EMS) – the team that provides quick care and transport to the hospital, usually by ambulance or helicopter.
Neurologist – doctor trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders. They perform examinations and diagnostic tests.
Neurosurgeon – surgeon trained in surgery on the brain, spine, and other parts of the nervous system. Skilled in the most advanced treatments including minimally invasive neurosurgery.
Rehabilitation specialists – may include physicians, nurses, psychologists, dieticians and therapists (aquatic, occupational, physical, recreational, and/or speech therapists). These specialists are trained and dedicated to helping you regain your independence. They work with you to develop a treatment program to help you with the physical, cognitive, or emotional difficulties after a major illness or injury.
Resident – doctor in training who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Residents are supervised by a staff doctor.
Stroke nurse – a registered nurse with particular skills for stroke patient assessments and taking actions for managing care at the bedside.
Stroke program coordinator – a nurse with specialty training that collaborates with the stroke care team to ensure exceptional quality care and facilitate patient and family access to stroke services at all stages of care.
Meet your team
Awards & Recognition
The excellence of care in our Stroke Center has been recognized locally and nationally. Learn more.
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Risk factors
Are you at risk for a stroke?
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the number-one cause of adult disability. Anyone can have a stroke, but these are among the most common risk factors
Modifiable risk factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart or carotid artery disease
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Tobacco use
- Obesity and/or physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use or drug abuse
- Unhealthy diet
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Family history
- Age 55 or older
- Ethnicity
If you suspect a problem, don’t delay. Call 911 and get to a facility that can help you as quickly as possible.
If you would like more information about stroke, please call the Regions Hospital stroke program coordinator at 651-254-3703.
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Make an appointment
651-254-7900
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