Stroke signs? B.E.F.A.S.T. — Call 911 immediately.
Resources About Strokes for Families and Patients
When someone arrives at the hospital with possible stroke symptoms, the healthcare team works quickly to determine whether a stroke has occurred, what type of stroke it is, and what treatment may be appropriate.
There may be a lot happening at once. Tests, questions, monitoring, and conversations with different members of the care team are all part of gathering the information needed to make treatment decisions.
A CT scan is commonly performed quickly after arrival.
Brain imaging helps the healthcare team determine whether there is bleeding in the brain and may provide other important information about the stroke.
Additional imaging may also be used to look at blood vessels or blood flow in the brain.
Blood may be drawn to check information such as:
The healthcare team may perform an ECG/EKG and monitor the heart rhythm.
Some strokes can be associated with abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Additional heart testing may occur during the hospital stay.
Members of the stroke team will evaluate how the brain and body are functioning.
They may ask the patient to:
They may also evaluate vision, sensation, coordination, and other functions.
These assessments may be repeated throughout the hospital stay.
Once the team has more information, they can begin answering three important questions:
The team will determine whether the stroke appears to be caused by a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in or around the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Treatment depends on many factors, including the type of stroke, timing of symptoms, imaging results, medications, health history, and the individual patient's condition.
After emergency treatment and stabilization, the healthcare team will continue monitoring the patient and begin looking at what caused the stroke and what support may be needed during recovery.
A stroke care team can include many different professionals.
Doctors and Stroke Specialists
Evaluate the stroke, review testing, and guide treatment.
Nurses
Monitor neurological symptoms, vital signs, medications, comfort, and safety.
Radiology and Imaging Teams
Perform the scans needed to understand what is happening in the brain and blood vessels.
Physical Therapists
Evaluate movement, strength, balance, walking, and mobility.
Occupational Therapists
Evaluate everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, and other tasks needed for independence.
Speech-Language Pathologists
May evaluate communication, thinking, speech, language, and swallowing.
Social Workers & Care Coordinators
Help patients and families understand discharge planning, rehabilitation options, services, and resources.
It is okay to ask questions—even if the healthcare team has already explained something once.
You may want to ask:
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