A stroke occurs when there is disruption of the blood supply to the brain. A stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. The sooner a stroke patient receives medical attention, the more likely they are to recover after the stroke.
What Is a Stroke?
There are two types of strokes or "brain attacks." Each requires different treatment.
- Ischemic stroke. Eighty-seven percent of all strokes are ischemic, caused by a blockage in an artery. They can be treated effectively with clot-busting drugs that must be given within four and a half hours of the start of symptoms. UPMC in central Pa. strives to administer this life-saving medication within one hour of the patient's arrival.
- Hemorrhagic stroke. This is caused by weakened vessels that rupture (break) and bleed into the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke requires specialized medical or surgical interventions.
Stroke Symptoms
BE FAST: Know the Signs of a Stroke
Symptoms start suddenly:
- Balance – Are you suddenly walking “drunk”, wobbly, or woozy?
- Eye – Is your vision fuzzy? Are you seeing two things?
- Face – Is your face and mouth droopy?
- Arm – Is one of your arms not moving the same or not able to go all the way up?
- Speech – Are you talking funny?
- Time – Don’t wait to see what happens, CALL FOR HELP (911) NOW!
IMPORTANT: Check your phone or watch so you can tell the doctor when the symptoms started.
Need more information?
Phone: 717-231-8900
Locations
UPMC Carlisle
361 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17015
Phone: 717-249-1212
UPMC Community Osteopathic
4300 Londonderry Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: 717-652-3000
UPMC Hanover
300 Highland Avenue
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-316-3711
Phone: 800-673-2426
UPMC Harrisburg
111 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-782-3131
UPMC Lititz
1500 Highlands Drive
Lititz, PA 17543
Phone: 717-625-5000
UPMC West Shore
1995 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-791-2600