Use the FAST test to recognize and respond to the signs of stroke.

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
• Time: If you observe any of these signs (independently or together), call 9-1-1 immediately.

Source: National Stroke Association

More than 750,000 Americans will have a stroke — or brain attack — this year, and 160,000 cases will be fatal. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer.

A stroke happens when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is stopped or interrupted due to a ruptured or blocked blood vessel. This can cause damage to the brain.

Through prevention, education and treatment, Allina Health is working to lower these numbers and improve a patient's chances of recovering from a stroke with fewer complications.

Stroke patient stories

Making a comeback from stroke: Ken's story

Coon Rapids Firefighter Ken Boelter continues to fight one of the toughest battles of his life. A stroke paralyzed the left side of his body. But experts at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Mercy Hospital say he's making great strides.

Teen strokes on the rise: Bailey's story

Bailey Carlson attends physical therapy five days a week. Her hands and wrists often get tired during exercises, but she's come a long way after having a stroke when she was 16 years old.

More patient stories

Stroke

A stroke results when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is stopped or interrupted. This happens because of a ruptured or blocked blood vessel.

Doctors may use the terms cerebrovascular accident (CVA), cerebral infarction or brain attack to describe stroke. Learn more in our manual for stroke patients and their caregivers.

Stroke

A stroke results when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is stopped or interrupted. This happens because of a ruptured or blocked blood vessel.

Doctors may use the terms cerebrovascular accident (CVA), cerebral infarction or brain attack to describe stroke. Learn more in our manual for stroke patients and their caregivers.

Primary stroke centers in the Twin Cities

Allina's four metro hospitals are certified advanced primary stroke centers.

A primary stroke center has been designated by The Joint Commission as having the resources to quickly assess, evaluate and treat patients suspected of stroke.

Abbott Northwestern Hospital's Neuroscience Institute
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Neuroscience Institute Stroke Program offers designated units with specially trained staff who care exclusively stroke patients. Two dedicated neuro- and stroke interventional radiologists are on site 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Other on-site capabilities are imaging and diagnostic services for determining cause of stroke and preventing secondary strokes.

Mercy Hospital Primary Stroke Center
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Mercy Hospital's Primary Stroke Center provides imaging and diagnostic services for determining cause of stroke and preventing second stroke. Our technology includes 64-slice CT scanner with angiography and 3T MRI. We offer 24-hour neurologist and neurosurgery coverage. Stroke patients receive specialized critical care in our award-winning intensive care unit staffed by specially trained nurses.

United Hospital, Nasseff Neuroscience
St. Paul, Minnesota
United Hospital's Nasseff Neuroscience Center provides emergency care with 24/7 neurology services, including on-site dedicated neuro- and stroke interventional radiologists. Nursing staff with special training in stroke care serve patients. We use 64 slice CT, 3T MRI and biplane neuro-angiography to diagnose stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke").

Unity Hospital Primary Stroke Center
Fridley, Minnesota
Unity Hospital's Primary Stroke Center provides neurologist and neurosurgery coverage 24 hours a day. Technology includes MRI, MR angiography and dual-source CT scanner with angiography. Specially trained nurses care for stroke patients in our award-winning intensive care unit.

Telehealth brings expert stroke care close to home

Through the Allina Telehealth Network, hospitals in greater Minnesota or western Wisconsin have 24-hour access to stroke care experts.

The Remote Presence RP-7® Robot allows a stroke expert at Abbott Northwestern Hospital or United Hospital to examine a patient who may be miles away.

Stroke diagnosis and treatment in greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin

All Allina regional hospitals work closely with the primary stroke centers to ensure that patients have ready access to appropriate stroke evaluation and timely treatment.

• Buffalo Hospital, Buffalo, Minnesota
• Cambridge Medical Center, Cambridge, Minnesota
• New Ulm Medical Center, New Ulm, Minnesota
• Owatonna Hospital, Owatonna, Minnesota
• River Falls Area Hospital, River Falls, Wisconsin
• St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, Minnesota

Stroke risk factors

Risk factors increase your chance of having a stroke. There are two types of risk factors: those you cannot control and those you can.

Stroke risks you cannot control

The following risk factors are those you cannot control:

• age: Your chance of having a stroke increases with your age.
• gender: Men have more strokes than women.
• race: Blacks, Latinos and Asians are at higher risk for stroke than Caucasians.
• family history (genetics): A history of heart disease or stroke can increase your risk.
• history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA): If you have already had a stroke or TIA, you are at greater risk of having another stroke.

Stroke risks you can control

The following risk factors are those you can control:

• high blood pressure: High blood pressure puts stress on your blood vessel walls. This can lead to stroke from blood clots or bleeding. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure. (If you have high blood pressure, have your blood pressure checked every year and follow your doctor's treatment plan.)
• atrial fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) causes your heart to beat too quickly and out of rhythm. Blood can pool in your heart and form clots. (If you have atrial fibrillation, follow your doctor's treatment plan.)
• carotid artery disease Your carotid arteries carry blood to your brain. When plaque (a fatty substance) builds up in these neck arteries, it increases the stroke risk. (If you have carotid artery disease, your doctor may suggest surgery, a stent, or other treatment plan.)
• high cholesterol: When plaque (a fatty substance) builds up in your artery walls, blood can't travel to your heart. When too much LDL builds up on your artery walls, plaque forms and blocks blood flow in your vessels leading top your heart, legs and brain. This can cause heart disease, peripheral artery disease and strokes.

Rehabilitation and ongoing support

Understanding Stroke

Our online manual for people affected by stroke has a special section on stroke recovery and rehabilitation.

Doctor discusses stroke awareness

Diane Chappuis, MD, director of stroke rehabilitation at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, explains how to recognize and prevent stroke symptoms. See the interview on kstp.com.

Stroke Rehabilitation Program

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has a dedicated team specializing in stroke rehabilitation throughout the Twin Cities. Our stroke rehabilitation services available at Abbott Northwestern, Mercy, United and Unity hospitals or through home-based or outpatient services

Care Navigation Help Desk

When you or a loved one has many medical needs, trying to determine how to get help and what services exist can be difficult. We are committed to going beyond your medical needs — making it easier to stay in control, maintain independence, have peace of mind, and enjoy life.

Community stroke screenings and education

A personalized screening will provide you with a report evaluating your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Geriatric Psychiatry Program

As one grows older, conditions like stroke can disturb the ability to function or cope. Allina Mental Health's Geriatric Psychiatry Program involves families as their loved ones are cared for in the safe settings of United Hospital or Unity Hospital.

What to do after a stroke

If you had a stroke, it is important that you follow your health care team's directions for medicines, healthful diet, exercise, and controlling risk factors. Keep all appointments with health care providers. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, ask your doctor.

Stroke support groups

Allina stroke support groups

Ongoing support groups in these Minnesota cities welcome stroke survivors and their care partners:

• Buffalo
• Coon Rapids
• Fridley
• Minneapolis
• St. Paul

Tai Chi for persons with strokes, brain injuries or movement disorders

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers this program specifically designed for people who have experienced a stroke, a brain injury or a movement disorder, and for their care partners.