Understanding Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is reduced. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. The good news: many strokes can be prevented by managing risk factors.

Types of Stroke

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” TIAs occur when a blood clot temporarily blocks blood flow. Symptoms are the same as stroke (BE FAST), and there is no way to tell in the moment if it’s a TIA or stroke. While they usually cause no lasting damage, they are a serious warning sign for future stroke. Call 911 immediately. Our team can help reduce recurrence risk through prevention strategies.

Ischemic Stroke

Accounts for about 87% of all strokes. An ischemic stroke is caused when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked or narrowed by a clot. Risk factors may be modifiable (e.g., high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes) or non-modifiable (e.g., age, family history). Treatment may include clot-busting medications, effective only within the first 3–4.5 hours after symptoms begin, making the need to B.E.F.A.S.T. even more critical. Some patients with large vessel occlusions may be candidates for emergency thrombectomy (surgical clot removal).

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Accounts for about 13% of strokes. Occurs when a weakened blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. Symptoms often include BE FAST signs and a sudden “thunderclap” headache — the worst headache of a person’s life. These patients may deteriorate quickly, sometimes losing consciousness or the ability to breathe safely. Treatment may involve medical management or surgery, depending on the situation.

BE FAST

Recognizing the signs of a stroke in yourself or a loved one can change the course of their life. Strokes are medical emergencies. If you notice the sudden onset of any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately.

B – Balance: Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of coordination, or severe headache

E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision, or sudden vision loss

F – Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb

A – Arm/Leg: Sudden weakness or numbness in the arm, leg, or both

S – Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding others

T – Time: Call 911 right away

*B.E. F.A.S.T. was developed by Intermountain Healthcare as an adaptation of the F.A.S.T. model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved.

Why Call 911?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Fast action can reduce brain damage and improve recovery. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can alert the hospital before you arrive, gather vital information, and begin assessments, helping you receive faster treatment.

According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association: “On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated.”

Post-Stroke Care – In the Hospital

For stroke patients, the emergency department (ED) is the first stop. A triage nurse quickly assesses symptoms, notes the time of onset, and verifies vital signs. If stroke is suspected, the nurse activates a Code Stroke, immediately alerting team members across the hospital.

This rapid response triggers a coordinated chain of events, including CT scans, lab testing, and neurological assessments. SIH neurointensivists are notified instantly — day or night — and CT imaging is sent directly to their mobile devices, allowing them to review scans in real time from any location. Working in collaboration with emergency physicians at the bedside, neurointensivists provide rapid evaluation through telehealth or in person, minimizing brain tissue loss and maximizing recovery potential.

After the ED, patients are admitted to the most appropriate level of inpatient care:

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Located at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale and SIH Herrin Hospital. These units provide care for critically ill patients requiring constant monitoring. All ICU nurses are stroke-trained and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (NIHSS) certified.
• Step-Down ICU: For patients who still require frequent assessments but less intensive monitoring than ICU-level care. Available at Memorial and Herrin hospitals. Nurses are stroke-trained and NIHSS certified.
• Medical Floors: Found at all four SIH hospitals. These units care for patients needing routine monitoring and support, often serving as the final step before discharge. Nurses are stroke-trained and NIHSS certified.

Post-Stroke Care – After Discharge

Recovery from stroke is unique to each patient, depending on the type of stroke, the areas of the brain affected, and individual goals. At the SIH Brain & Spine Institute, our team is committed to supporting patients and families throughout this journey. We work closely with SIH rehabilitation specialists to maximize recovery, restore function, and improve quality of life. Depending on each patient’s needs, recovery may continue across several specialized programs:

• Inpatient Rehabilitation – Patients who require intensive, multidisciplinary therapy may be admitted to SIH Inpatient Rehabilitation, where they receive daily medical oversight and up to three hours of therapy per day, helping them rebuild strength, coordination, and independence in a supportive hospital environment.
• Upswing Recovery Care – For those who need a short-term stay before returning home, SIH Upswing Recovery Care offers 24-hour nursing support, personalized therapy, and transitional care to bridge the gap between hospital and home.
• Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation – Once home, patients can continue their recovery through the SIH Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program, focusing on long-term goals such as mobility, speech, and self-care, with therapists dedicated to helping each person achieve their highest possible level of independence.