Stroke

How is a Stroke Diagnosed?

Stroke patients are assessed quickly in the emergency department by a specialized stroke team that includes vascular neurologists, neurosurgeons, and emergency physicians.

A variety of imaging techniques are used in stroke diagnosis, including:

• CT scan
• MRI or angiography
• Ultrasound

By these techniques the doctors can pinpoint the area of stroke in the brain as well as the area of blockage of the vessels.

In patients with an “ischemic stroke” (i.e., no blood is seen on their initial CT scan) who arrive in time, a clot-busting medication called tPA can be used to open blocked arteries.

In patients with hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain), control of blood-clotting factors, blood pressure, and even emergency surgery might be needed.

After initial treatment, patients are either admitted to a dedicated stroke unit or may first require critical care in our neurointensive care unit.  

Surgical Treatments for Stroke

Some patients need emergency surgery to treat blocked or bleeding brain blood vessels.

Our neurosurgeons are fellowship-trained to use special catheters (tiny tubes) and devices to open blocked brain arteries to restore blood flow to the brain.

Following recovery from stroke, our cerebrovascular neurosurgeons can perform surgery or stenting to open a narrowed artery that caused the initial stroke, helping prevent future problems.

Patients with stroke caused by leaking blood vessels (such as burst brain aneurysms or AVM) may require embolization, which uses wires and catheters inside the arteries, and/or open brain surgery.

Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation

Our multidisciplinary stroke team helps manage all aspects of recovery. 

While some patients recover within days, it is not unusual for recovery to take weeks to months.

To help stroke patients recover to their maximum potential, each patient is evaluated for their physical, occupational, and speech therapy needs, along with intensive rehabilitation and preventative care to minimize chances of a future stroke. 

Neurological rehabilitation may consist of physical or occupational therapy, medicine prescription, modalities, orthotics / bracing, speech and language therapy, or neuropsychology and referrals to other disciplines when needed. 

UR Medicine offers world-class stroke treatments in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region. Whether you’re treated at one of our hospitals or on the way via the region’s only Mobile Stroke Unit, you’ll benefit from the expertise and technology of a nationally-recognized stroke care system. Our neurosurgeons have subspecialty training in life-saving stroke surgeries—and perform more of these procedures than any other hospital in the region.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center at Strong Memorial Hospital provides the highest level of treatment and prevention for all types of stroke. With a dedicated Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit featuring the most advanced MRI and CT capabilities, and a hybrid intraoperative/endovascular biplane angiosuite, we offer leading-edge options for even the most complex cases. 

We partner with the Primary Stroke Centers at Highland Hospital, Thompson Health, Noyes Memorial Hospital, Geneva General Hospital, and Jones Memorial Hospital. This collaborative system ensures patients across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region receive coordinated, high-quality stroke care—fast.

Thriving After Stroke: Stroke Education and Support Group

For stroke survivors, families, and caregivers

Navigating life after a stroke can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. This monthly virtual support group offers a welcoming space for stroke survivors, families, and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn together. Whether you're newly adjusting or have been living with the effects of stroke for years, you are welcome here.

Our meetings provide:

• Supportive conversations and interactive workshops guided by a mental health therapist with expertise in stroke recovery
• Peer support and shared lived experiences
• Education from URMC experts and guest speakers from the community
• Resources to help you thrive beyond stroke