Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is either reduced or stopped, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. A stroke may cause loss in brain function and affect movement and speech.
Stroke treatment centers across the Wasatch Front
At MountainStar Healthcare, our emergency care specialists deliver the fast response and effective treatment you need during a stroke.
Our hospitals are trusted resources throughout the Wasatch Front for stroke education, innovation and evidence-based care.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Related specialties
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If you believe you or someone you know is having a stroke, dial 911 immediately.
Comprehensive stroke care
At MountainStar Healthcare hospitals, we’ve assembled teams of knowledgeable, experienced stroke care experts, including specialists in our emergency care departments. They work closely with neurologists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists and others to treat stroke patients quickly and maximize their recovery. Additionally, all of our hospitals have been recognized for providing comprehensive stroke care.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when the brain's blood supply is interrupted. Within minutes, brain tissue starts to die and the patient experiences a sudden loss of brain function.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S.
What are the types of stroke?
There are two main types of stroke: hemorrhagic and ischemic.
- Hemorrhagic stroke—A hemorrhagic stroke is either a brain aneurysm burst or a weakened blood vessel leak in which blood spills into or around the brain, creating increased pressure.
- Ischemic stroke—An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot, causing blood not to reach parts of the brain.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can help save lives.
If any of the below symptoms appear suddenly, call 911 and seek emergency care:
- Confusion, trouble speaking or trouble understanding
- Dizziness
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
How can you tell if someone is having a stroke?
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, think "FAST." FAST is an acronym that stands for:
- Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
- Arms: Can they raise both arms? Does one drift downward?
- Speech: Are their words slurred? Can they repeat back a simple sentence?
- Time: Time is crucial. If you notice these symptoms, call 911.
Health Risk Assessments
Take one of our free health risk assessments! This short quiz helps highlight your risk factors for certain diseases or conditions and provides personalized recommendations.
Take one of our free health risk assessments! This short quiz helps highlight your risk factors for certain diseases or conditions and provides personalized recommendations.