stroke conditions hero

Stroke

Exceptional Stroke Care in Atlanta

Strokes strike fast and, unfortunately, all too often. These conditions can be devastating. They’re the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability.

When you recognize a stroke and quickly get the right help, you have the best chance for a meaningful recovery. Emory Stroke Centers have dedicated stroke teams and everything you need for fast diagnosis and treatment. You get a level of care here that you won’t just find at any hospital.

Why Choose Emory Healthcare?

Emory Healthcare has both comprehensive and primary stroke centers. We’re certified by the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association and The Joint Commission. This speaks to the quality of the care we provide.

As our patient, you have access to the most modern stroke technology and the latest stroke therapies. Our Neurointensive Care Unit gives you the best possible stroke and neurologic care. Our specialized approach means more patients survive and experience less severe complications.

  • Stroke patients are able to return to independence soon after discharge.
  • Stroke patients who require intensive acute rehabilitation have seamless access to our Emory Rehabilitation Hospital.

You also benefit from the knowledge, experience and research of our stroke specialists and the entire Emory team. You’ll see firsthand what places us among the best stroke centers in the country.

Types of Stroke

A stroke is sometimes called a brain attack. It occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow to your brain. There are two types of stroke:

  • Ischemic: Occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to part of your brain becomes blocked. If brain cells don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need, they can die. These represent about 88 % of all strokes.
  • Hemorrhagic: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. As blood builds up in your skull, it may put pressure on your brain, crushing brain tissue and limiting blood flow.

Conditions that can lead to this type of stroke include:

  • Arteriovenous malformation: An abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain.
  • Dural arteriovenous fistula: An abnormal connection between the arteries that supply the covering of the brain with blood and veins.
  • Intracranial aneurysm: A weak spot in the wall of an artery in the brain, that can potentially rupture.

Early Signs of Stroke

The sooner we restore blood flow to the brain, the better the outcome will likely be. This makes it vital to recognize the signs of a stroke. Use the acronym BE-FAST to recognize stroke symptoms:

B – Balance. Loss of balance
E – Eyes. Blurred vision or loss of vision
F – Face. Weakness on one side of the face
A – Arm. Weakness of an arm
S – Speech. Difficulty speaking
T – Time. Time to call 9-1-1 if any of these symptoms occur

If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 right away. Note the time symptoms started. Medications and procedures to reduce your risk of long-term disability from stroke are most effective when treated early after symptoms start. Even if symptoms get better, seek immediate help as this could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a warning sign for a potentially future stroke.

Risk Factors of Stroke

Anyone can have a stroke, but certain factors increase your risk. Some are genetic. Others are related to your lifestyle or medical conditions.

Risk factors you cannot change include:

  • Being African American
  • Being male
  • Being older than 55
  • Having a family history of stroke

Risk factors you can modify with lifestyle changes, medication or surgery include:

  • Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat that allows blood to pool in the heart and can lead to blood clots)
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Limited exercise
  • Obesity
  • Personal history of stroke
  • Poor diet
  • Tobacco and heavy alcohol use
Diagnosing Stroke

Our experts deal with stroke every day. We know the warning signs. Plus, we have the most advanced technology available to diagnose stroke and conditions that may lead to them.


A fast diagnosis leads to fast treatment. Neuroimaging and other technologies we offer include:

Physician Referrals

To refer a patient to the Emory Stroke Center, please complete this form and fax it to 404-778-6022.

If you would like a consultation or advice, we can connect you to an Emory Healthcare provider. Our referral specialists are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Please call us at 404-778-5050 or 800-223-6679.

Our referral specialist can also provide:

  • A direct link to our transfer center
    • Please call 404-686-8334 for hospital transfers or emergency calls after hours
  • Information about health care programs, clinical trials or educational opportunities
  • Information about your patients who have been admitted to Emory
  • Other resources such as maps, directories, physician CVs and patient education materials
  • Patient appointment verification
Emory Connected Care Boosts Stroke Patient’s Recovery

“I had a unique case in that I was 44 and having a stroke,” says Tiffany. “I’m young and healthy. No issues. No high blood pressure or anything like that. I needed someone who was going to really be persistent about figuring out what caused my stroke. So, I knew I needed to go to Emory.”

stroketelehealth1

Frequently Asked Questions

At Emory Healthcare, we don’t just treat stroke; we work to help you avoid them. You can rely on us for education about risk factors, healthy habits and treatment for conditions that raise stroke risk.

Stroke Treatments

We offer medical and surgical treatment options for stroke as well as a full range of rehabilitation services.

Find an Emory Doctor

Emory Healthcare doctors provide specialized treatment and research the latest advancements.

Explore our Network

To expand your options, explore our network of providers throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.
network_intelligence

Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery

Create a MyChart account to schedule online.

For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.

For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.

network_intelligence

Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery

Create a MyChart account to schedule online.

For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.

For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.