Stroke Care

We Know Every Moment Counts

A stroke or aneurysm can take you by surprise. They happen fast and often with little warning, and acting quickly is essential to recovery. At the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network, we’re ready to respond in the moment, and we’ll be with you the whole way.

Count on Our Trusted Stroke and Aneurysm Care

  • An Extensive Support Network

    We provide a support network that’s ready at a moment’s notice, with dedicated stroke centers throughout Florida that lead the way in stroke intervention.

  • A Fully Coordinated Care Team

    Our physicians, nurses, therapists and caregivers work together to take care of you, from initial treatment through aneurysm care and stroke rehabilitation. You and your loved ones will be supported at every step.

  • Nationally Recognized for Patient Safety

    AdventHealth is recognized for remarkable achievements and leadership in patient safety, quality and transparency by The Leapfrog Group.

Identifying the Types of Stroke

A stroke (sometimes called a “brain attack”) occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptures. When this happens, brain cells don’t get the blood and oxygen that they need to survive. This causes nerve cells to stop working and die within minutes. Then, the part of the body they control can’t function either. The effects of stroke may be permanent depending on how many cells are lost, where they are in the brain, and other factors. Here are the different types of stroke:

  • Hemorrhagic stroke, including intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Ischemic stroke, including thrombotic and embolic stroke
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA), or a “mini-stroke”

For a Stroke, Quick Care Matters

We know that with a stroke, every second counts. That’s why we’re committed to providing the world-class stroke care you need so you can get back to the life you deserve.

We’re honored that many of our locations and hospitals have been recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate and consistent treatment in line with nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines.

Request an Appointment With a Specialist

Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or recently had a stroke or aneurysm rupture, the compassionate care you need is close to home. Request a visit with one of our experienced neurology specialists to begin a personalized treatment plan that supports your whole health.

Request a Consultation

Your Stories Inspire Our Mission

For former Cincinnati Bengal Ray Forsythe, having a stroke was the last thing on his mind. An athlete used to training hard, Ray appreciated the fact that the rehab team at AdventHealth didn’t go easy on him.

Dedicating All Our Expertise to Helping You Heal

Your healing is our whole focus. From clinical trials that develop new treatments to leading-edge technologies that mean a smoother recovery, we’re dedicated to raising the bar for neurological care with your whole health in mind. Explore how we’ll support you and your loved ones with the most advanced care and the utmost compassion.

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Resources

From support groups and educational guides to caregiver support, financial assistance and more, we offer a range of resources to help you and your loved ones better understand and manage your condition.

View Our Resources
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Research

Innovative care starts with medical research. See how we’re developing new treatments and procedures, leading concussion and brain injury-related studies, conducting clinical trials for stroke care and more.

Discover Our Research
Surgeon at AdventHealth operating on a patients brain. A series of brain scans are located on the monitor behind him.

Technology

Explore how we use robotic technologies, precise therapies and leading-edge techniques to care for epilepsy, eliminate masses with less pain, treat brain tumors in a matter of hours and much more.

See Our Technology

Answering Your Stroke Questions

If you’ve experienced a stroke, we're here to answer commonly asked questions to help you take your next step toward whole-person health. Our providers are committed to helping you feel informed, comfortable and confident throughout your healing journey.

  • What are the different types of stroke?

    The two main types of stroke are ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, with both having unique subtypes.

    Ischemic Stroke

    Most strokes occur when blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits called plaque. This cuts off blood flow to brain cells. A stroke caused by a lack of blood reaching part of the brain is called an ischemic stroke. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke that you can change.

    The two subtypes of ischemic stroke are thrombotic and embolic stroke. A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot in an artery going to the brain, and an embolic stroke is caused by a wandering clot that formed elsewhere, usually in the heart or neck arteries.

    Hemorrhagic Stroke

    About 13 percent of strokes happen when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke. When a hemorrhagic stroke happens, blood collects in the brain tissue. This is toxic for the brain tissue and causes the cells in that area to weaken and die. There are two kinds of hemorrhagic stroke. In both, a blood vessel ruptures, disrupting blood flow to part of the brain.

  • Why should I call 911 instead of driving to the hospital during a stroke?

    Always call 911 if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The American Heart Association gives several reasons why you should call 911 instead of driving to the hospital for a stroke:

    • Calling 911 allows you to get connected to medical care more quickly.
    • Having first responders show up gives you a faster diagnosis and quicker access to treatment.
    • It puts you at the front of the line, ensuring you’re seen immediately.
    • The person experiencing a stroke may suddenly lose consciousness and need immediate CPR.

  • What treatments are available for an ischemic stroke?

    The only FDA-approved treatment for ischemic strokes is Alteplase IV r-tPA, also known as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Alteplase IV r-tPA works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain deprived of blood. This is the gold standard of stroke care. If administered within three hours (and up to four and a half hours in certain patients), Alteplase IV r-tPA may improve the chances of recovery after a stroke.

    Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure* in which specially trained doctors try to remove the blood clot by sending a catheter to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain. Sometimes these procedures involve administering tPA directly into the blood clot (called intra-arterial treatment) to help dissolve the blockage. In other procedures, the doctor may attempt to remove the clot. Experts are still conducting research to determine the best clinical protocols for endovascular procedures.

    *Note: Patients must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this procedure.

  • How can I lower my risk of having another stroke?

    Once someone has had a stroke, they are at risk of having another. After the medical team identifies what caused the stroke, they may prescribe treatments to reduce the risk of a recurrence. These treatments may include one or more of the following.

    Antiplatelet Agents

    Medications such as aspirin and anticoagulants such as warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or edoxaban interfere with the blood’s ability to clot. These may be prescribed to help prevent a second stroke.

    Carotid Endarterectomy

    This procedure involves surgically removing a blood vessel blockage (a blood clot or fatty plaque) from the carotid artery in the neck. This reopens the artery and the blood flow to the brain. This procedure is considered only for patients with a large blockage.

    Balloon Angioplasty

    Balloon angioplasty and implantable steel screens, called stents, are sometimes used to treat and reduce fatty buildup that is clogging a vessel and making it easy for clots to form in the bloodstream.

    Treating Previous Conditions

    Treatment for previously undiagnosed conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder), or other vascular disease.

  • Can atrial fibrillation increase my risk of stroke?

    In AFib, the heart’s upper chambers quiver (like a bowl of gelatin) rather than beating in an organized, rhythmic way. This causes the blood to pool and clot, increasing the risk of stroke. AFib increases the risk of stroke by five times. People with other types of heart disease have a higher risk of stroke, too.

Find Stroke Care Near You

If you suspect a stroke, don’t wait — call 911 right away to get immediate medical care. Our dedicated teams across the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute network are always ready to spring into action to stop a stroke in its tracks and will be by your side the whole way as you recover, too. Explore your options for stroke rehab care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.