Stroke Specialists: Western Massachusetts’ Leader in Stroke Treatment and Recovery
If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, every minute matters. Getting expert help from a team of neurologists that offers the latest stroke treatments can make the difference between successfully recovering from a stroke or not.
No matter which Baystate Health hospital is closest to your home, you’ll get the best care possible from our team of stroke specialists. We’re here to provide the care you need right away so you have the best possible outcome after a stroke.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when part of the brain has a sudden disruption in its blood supply. The lack of blood flow means that part of the brain doesn’t receive its necessary oxygen and nutrients, and brain tissue dies as a result. Most strokes happen because a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel in the brain or neck breaks.
Types of stroke
The three main types of stroke are:
- Ischemic stroke
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (a warning or "mini-stroke")
“BE FAST” to Spot Stroke Symptoms
Getting advanced care right away is crucial for anyone who is having a stroke. Fast evaluation and treatment save lives and improves the recovery process. If you think your loved one or someone around you may be having a stroke, use the acronym “BE FAST” to know what stroke signs to watch for:
- Balance: Is the person suddenly having balance or coordination issues?
- Eyes: Is the person having sudden vision trouble seeing in one or both eyes or having sudden blurred or double vision?
- Face: Is one side of the person’s face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile, and check the results.
- Arm: Is one of the person’s arms weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Can the person speak? Is their speech slurred or hard to understand? Tell the person a simple phrase, and then tell them to repeat it. Can they do so correctly?
- Time to call 911: If the person has any of these symptoms — even if they go away — call 911 right away. Make a note of when the person’s symptoms began.
Don’t wait to call for help, even if the person says they don’t need medical attention. Waiting to get stroke care can lead to serious complications or even death.
Our Advanced Stroke Diagnosis & Treatment
Each year, the Acute Stroke Team at Baystate Medical Center cares for more than 1,600 patients who have experienced a stroke. That’s more than any other hospital in western Massachusetts. Our stroke treatment and support services include: