Stroke is a medical emergency. The best chance for recovery from stroke is to get to the emergency department as quickly as possible. Brain cells begin to die within 4 minutes of the beginning of a stroke. Every minute counts.

Self-Care at Home

If you or someone else is having any of the stroke warning signs, call 911 for emergency help right away.

Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away.
Do not call your doctor.
Do not take aspirin (the emergency team will give this later if needed).
Do not drive yourself or wait for a ride to the hospital.
If possible, note the last time the person having the stroke symptoms was okay. This is important when deciding the treatment.

Care in the Hospital

In the Emergency Department, the stroke team evaluates the stroke patient. Tests determine if the patient had a stroke and the type. Emergency treatment depends on if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

Treatment for Ischemic Stroke

To treat ischemic stroke, doctors must quickly remove the blockage to the brain and restore blood flow by using the following options:

Clot-dissolving medications
Clot prevention medications (antiplatelets and anticoagulants)
Surgery and other procedures to treat ischemic stroke

Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke

Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke depends on the cause of the stroke, and the extent of damage to the brain. Treatment may include:

Providing measures to save life and relieve symptoms
Surgery to remove blood that is putting pressure on the brain
Surgery to repair an aneurysm or a defective blood vessel