Stroke

When you arrive in the Emergency Department with a suspected stroke, everything happens very quickly. We have a team of experts available 24/7 to perform a procedure if you need one.

• You’ll be assessed right away by our team of emergency providers. They have special training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke.
• You’ll have a neurological exam and a blood draw.
• You’ll have a CT scan to see what kind of stroke you’ve had. A neurologist who specializes in strokes will review the results to determine the best treatment for you.
• If you arrive at the hospital soon after having an ischemic stroke, you may receive a clot-dissolving medication called alteplase (also known as tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator).
• If your scan shows a large clot, a neurointerventionalist  may need to remove it with a minimally invasive procedure called a thrombectomy.
• If you’ve had a bleeding stroke, called a subarachnoid hemorrhage, you may have a minimally invasive procedure to seal the bleeding blood vessel. Alternatively, a neurosurgeon might perform open surgery to place a clip on the vessel.
• After treatment, you’ll be admitted to an intensive care unit. The length of your hospital stay will depend on how severe your stroke was and the effectiveness of your treatment. Our physical therapy team will work with you while you're in the hospital, if needed.

After your discharge from the hospital, you will see your neurologist and your primary care provider for monitoring as you recover.

Your recovery time will vary. Some people make a full recovery, while others may face long-term disability or other health complications.

After effects of a stroke can include the following: 

• Weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the body 
• Pain, numbness or tingling in limbs 
• Problems speaking or eating 
• Trouble with thinking or memory 
• Difficulty expressing or controlling emotion 
• Incontinence (bladder or bowel control issues) 
• Anxiety or depression 

If you’ve lost physical or cognitive function, your post-stroke care will focus on recovering function.  

Mild aftereffects may mean that outpatient rehabilitation would work best for you.  

If you have more serious aftereffects, a stay at an inpatient rehabilitation facility like the University of Iowa Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital will provide more intensive services.  

Depending on your needs, your neurologist may prescribe a rehab program that includes: 

• Physical therapy for movement and coordination 
• Speech therapy 
• Occupational therapy for daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and drinking  
• Mental health therapy if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression

Once you’ve had a stroke or TIA, you’re at high risk for having another. 

You can change some risk factors on your own by: 

• Treating conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes 
• Quitting smoking 
• Exercising regularly 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Quitting or moderating use of alcohol 

You may be able to take blood thinners or have an interventional cardiology procedure to reduce your risk.  

For example, a heart condition called atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots to form. A device called a Watchman, inserted in a minimally invasive procedure, will prevent clots from traveling to your brain. 

Other minimally invasive procedures can fix clogs or narrowing of the carotid artery in your neck. 

UI Health Care is the state’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. This means that we offer specialized imaging, cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, and a neurological intensive care unit 24/7.  

UI Health Care is an academic medical system that conducts advanced clinical research. We’re part of StrokeNet, a research network created by the National Institutes of Health to focus on stroke treatment, prevention, recovery, and rehabilitation. 

As our patient, you’ll have access to the very latest therapies as well as clinical trials to improve stroke care.