Stroke Diagnosis & Treatment
Know the Signs. Get Help Fast.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to your brain stops suddenly. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells can begin to die within minutes. Stroke is the #3 cause of death in the U.S. and the #1 cause of serious disability. But the faster you get help, the better your chances of recovery.
What to Know About Stroke
Strokes often show warning signs. If you see these signs, call 911 right away. Doctors might stop the stroke and prevent further damage. They can also help stop another stroke from happening.
Types of Stroke
Here are the most common types:
- Cerebral Hemorrhage – A blood vessel in the brain bursts. This causes bleeding into nearby tissues.
- Cerebral Thrombosis – A clot (thrombus) blocks blood flow in a narrow artery.
- Cerebral Aneurysm – A weak spot in a blood vessel balloons and fills with blood.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke” - A temporary blockage. About 1 in 5 people who have a TIA and don't get treatment will have a major stroke within a year.
Diagnosing a Stroke
If you or your loved ones are having a stroke, doctors use special tests to find out what is going on and how serious it is. These tests may also help them figure out your risk of another stroke. Common tests include:
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography) – a special kind of X-ray.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – shows detailed images of the brain.
- Cerebral Angiography - imaging used to visualize blood vessels in the brain and neck.
- Carotid Ultrasound - a test that uses sound waves. It creates images of the carotid arteries in your neck.
- Transcranial Doppler - a type of ultrasound for the brain.
How Strokes are Treated
We complete stroke care, including:
- Stroke Risk Assessment and Screening - To find out how likely you are to have a stroke.
- Help Lowering Your Risk - With medicine, diet tips, and healthy lifestyle changes.
- Emergency Stroke Treatment - Available 24/7 at all MyMichigan Health Emergency Departments
- Telestroke Program - Gives you access to expert stroke doctors at Michigan Medicine.
- Stroke Nurse Practitioner - Oversees your care. Connects you with the right doctors and support services.
- Certified Stroke Centers - Our hospitals follow strict safety and care standards for treating strokes.
MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw is the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region. It provides advanced stroke care and has expert neurosurgeons available 24/7 for the most complex cases.
Stroke treatment may include:
- Clot-busting medications—to get blood flowing to the brain again.
- Carotid endarterectomy - a surgery that removes a blockage from an artery. It helps reduce your risk having another stroke.
Stroke Rehabilitation
Many stroke survivors have physical, mental, or emotional challenges after their stroke. Stroke Rehabilitation helps you relearn skills and become as independent as possible again.
It is important to start stroke rehabilitation soon after your stroke. Most progress happens in the first 3 to 6 months, so early rehabilitation makes a big difference.
Reducing Your Risk of Stroke
You can't change stroke risk factors—like your age, gender, race, or family history. But many risk factors can be controlled with help from your doctor:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Heavy drinking
- Lack of exercise
