Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Understanding Stroke

A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to begin dying within minutes. Most organs in the body can survive for short periods without blood flow, but the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke, making it a leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death. However, with rapid recognition and treatment, many stroke patients can recover and regain their quality of life.

At RWJBarnabas Health, neurologists and neurosurgeons from our Medical Group, including faculty physicians from the Rutgers Health, provide world-class stroke care based on the latest research. Our network of Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers offers round-the-clock access to board-certified physicians who specialize in treating the most complex stroke cases. From emergency response through acute treatment, inpatient care and discharge to either home or rehabilitation, we deliver comprehensive stroke care that changes patients' outcomes.

Worried about your risk for stroke? Request an appointment today.

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Recognize the Signs of a Stroke with the B.E. F.A.S.T. System

Experiencing stroke symptoms? Learn the signs and call 911 immediately.

Do you know the signs of stroke and what to do in case of an emergency? Learn the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. (balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time) to remember the signs of stroke. Hear Roger Cheng, MD, a neurointensivist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, explain B.E. F.A.S.T. and what you should do if someone near you is having a stroke:

Health care providers recommend using the B.E. F.A.S.T. system to recognize the symptoms of a stroke either during or immediately after it occurs. B.E. F.A.S.T. is an acronym to help you remember the signs.

BEFAST

  • Balance – Have you lost your balance, felt a sudden headache, or felt dizzy?
  • Eyes – Is your vision blurry?
  • Face – Are you feeling numbness or seeing drooping on one side of your face?
  • Arm – Do you have feeling in both arms? Can you raise them both up without one drifting down?
  • Speech – Are you slurring your speech? Can you form coherent sentences?
  • Terrible Headache/Time – Sudden terrible or ‘thunderclap’ headache with no known cause; it's time to call 911 immediately.

Even if these symptoms are intermittent or disappear altogether, it's important to seek medical care as quickly as possible. While other health issues can also cause these symptoms, such as an adverse reaction to medication or a brain tumor, only a physician or stroke emergency team can make this assessment. If it is a stroke, they will determine the type of stroke and the area of the brain that has been affected, which will inform the patient's treatment plan.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a serious medical emergency in which blood flow is temporarily cut off from part of the brain.

When a stroke occurs because blood vessels are blocked, it is known as an ischemic stroke. When bleeding occurs in the brain and causes a stroke, it is known as a hemorrhagic stroke.

Strokes can be treated, but they need to be attended to by medical professionals as soon as possible. Every minute a stroke is left untreated, a person is at greater risk for suffering permanent damage to the brain and long-term disability.

If your family has a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or cerebrovascular disease, you would have an increased risk of having a stroke. People who are at high risk for stroke should ensure that they have a response plan in place should a stroke ever occur.

Types of Stroke

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic strokes are the most common type, accounting for approximately 87 percent of all strokes. They occur when blood vessels in the brain become blocked by clots or narrowed by plaque buildup, severely reducing blood flow to brain tissue. Without immediate treatment, brain cells in the affected area begin to die within minutes.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. While less common than ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes can be more severe. Types include:

  • Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain tissue itself
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding in the space between the brain and surrounding membranes

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

TIA stands for transient ischemic attack, a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Often called a "mini-stroke," a TIA occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. While TIAs don't cause permanent damage, they serve as serious warning signs of potential future strokes. Immediate medical attention is crucial for preventing a more severe stroke.

Our Comprehensive Stroke Network

Our stroke centers maintain the highest standards of care, validated by the New Jersey Department of Health designations and national certifications. Through our network of Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers, we provide multiple levels of specialized care to meet each patient's needs.

Learn more about what sets our stroke centers apart.

Critical Resources for Stroke Treatment and Recovery

Recovery from a stroke and cerebrovascular disorders varies by individual and depends on stroke severity, affected brain areas, and timing of treatment. Our comprehensive inpatient stroke care includes access to stroke specialists and rehabilitation specialists:

  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Psychological support

Every stroke survivor's journey is unique. Our treatments and recovery programs are here to help patients regain function and independence.

Support Groups for Stroke Survivors and Their Families and Caregivers

RWJBarnabas Health offers stroke support groups for survivors, their families and their caregivers. Virtual and in-person support groups are offered by RWJBarnabas Health hospitals throughout the year.

Quarterly virtual support groups with featured speakers encourage discussion around specific topics such as nutrition, smoking cessation, speech and occupational therapy, and the effects of the holidays on stroke survivors’ mental health.

Biannual virtual support groups focus on caring for the caregiver. These sessions for family and caregivers of stroke survivors include featured speakers from the American Stroke Association who attend and help moderate the groups.

Visit our Events Calendar to browse our stroke support group offerings. Visit the groups online or find an in-person event near you.

Understanding Your Stroke Risk Factors

A stroke can happen suddenly, but many risk factors are preventable through lifestyle changes and medical management. Understanding your risk factors and taking proactive steps to address them can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke.

Some stroke risk factors cannot be changed. Age, gender, family history, and previous stroke or TIA history increase risk. Additionally, African Americans and Hispanic Americans face higher stroke risks than other groups, partly due to higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes.

Prevention Through Partnership

Building a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) is crucial for maintaining good health and managing stroke risk factors. Regular check-ups allow for:

  • Consistent health monitoring
  • Early risk factor identification
  • Preventive care implementation
  • Medication management
  • Lifestyle modification support

Don't wait for symptoms to make a change. At RWJBarnabas Health, our comprehensive stroke prevention team includes neurologists, cardiologists and other specialists who work together to assess your risk factors and develop personalized prevention strategies. We combine advanced diagnostic capabilities with proven preventive approaches, all while providing compassionate care that considers your complete health picture.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Stroke Care

At RWJBarnabas Health, we understand that every second counts in stroke treatment. Our stroke centers maintain round-the-clock readiness with specialized teams of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and emergency medicine physicians. From our mobile health units, which provide care en route to the hospital through our rehabilitation programs, we deliver coordinated, expert care at every stage.

Remember: If you suspect a stroke, don't wait. Call 911 at the first sign of stroke — time lost is brain lost.

Request an appointment for non-emergency care.

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Patient Stories

  • "Time is brain,” isn’t just a catchy tagline, Dr. Rybinnik notes. Parts of the brain can die if they do not receive proper blood flow for too long.

    Rosemary
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  • "From the ED to rehab, everyone at RWJUH Somerset was very attentive. They helped me in any way I needed."

    Anthony
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  • “I got this miracle shot, and I hope it helps other people like it helped me. I’m blessed, lucky and grateful.”

    Joyce
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Patient Stories

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