What is Stroke? | UI Health
Source: http://hospital.uillinois.edu/primary-and-specialty-care/ui-health-stroke-institute/what-is-stroke
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
What is Stroke? | UI Health
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UI Health Stroke Institute
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Stroke Center
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What is Stroke?
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Stroke Center
Meet the Team
What is Stroke?
Symptoms & Risks
Types of Strokes
Thrombosis & Blood Clots
Stroke Research
Understanding Our Stroke Care Results
Stroke Rehabilitation Program
Stroke Institute Patient Stories
Contact Us
What is Stroke?
UI Health is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, with stroke experts providing the highest level of care 24/7. We know that every stroke is an emergency. We provide rapid consultation for emergency stroke patients, and our door-to-treatment times are among the best in the Chicagoland area.
When blood flow to the brain is disrupted, brain cells begin to die almost immediately. It's essential for treatment to begin as quickly as possible. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons provide some of the most advanced, comprehensive care available for all types of neurological disorders:
Our Comprehensive Stroke Center is staffed around the clock by expert stroke doctors, including a board-certified vascular neurologist. We provide rapid consultation for emergency stroke patients, and our door-to-treatment times are among the best in the Chicagoland area.
BE FAST: Recognize, Treat, and Prevent a Stroke
UI Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center helps patients at every step of stroke care. To learn more, watch our segment on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago.
Stroke
Stroke occurs when a clot disrupts blood flow to the brain. There are two types of strokes:
Ischemic stroke
: This type of stroke occurs when blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or blocked.
Hemorrhagic stroke
: Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts in or near the brain. These strokes are sometimes caused by ruptured aneurysms or abnormal clusters of blood vessels called an
arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
.
Our neurosurgeons have pioneered new therapies for the prevention and treatment of stroke, including a unique type of brain imaging designed by one of our physicians. We have the experience and technology to provide the latest in stroke care.
Transient Ischemic Attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) — also referred to as a "mini-stroke" — occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked for a short period of time, such as a few minutes to an hour. Individuals who have a TIA may be at an increased risk for stroke.
Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm — also called a cerebral aneurysm — forms in weak areas of arteries that supply blood to the brain. Over time, the aneurysm can expand and form a bulge that's at risk for leaking or rupturing. Our specialists can treat brain aneurysms surgically or through an endovascular approach.
Brain Hemorrhage
Brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke characterized by bleeding in or surrounding the brain. There are two types of hemorrhage:
Intracerebral hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood leaks into the brain.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues surrounding the brain.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
866.600.CARE (2273)
University of Illinois Hospital
1740 West Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
© 2026 University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
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Skip to Content
ES
866.600.CARE
Find a Doctor
Request an Appointment
Locations
MyChart
Billing & Pricing
Contact Us
Español
866.600.CARE
Call Us 866.600.CARE
Primary & Specialty Care
Patients & Visitors
Referring Physicians
About UI Health
Find a Doctor
Request an Appointment
Locations
MyChart
Pay A Bill
Contact Us
Primary & Specialty Care
At UI Health, our foundation in academic excellence leads to new possibilities in healthcare. We take pride in serving Chicago and are committed to keeping your family healthy.
Find a Doctor
Make An Appointment
Locations
MyChart
Billing & Pricing
Contact Us
Call Us
866.600.CARE
For Patients & Visitors
A visit to the hospital can be overwhelming. At UI Health, we strive to make the patient and visitor experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Find a Doctor
Make An Appointment
Locations
MyChart
Billing & Pricing
Contact Us
Call Us
866.600.CARE
For Referring Physicians
About UI Health
The University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics is a patient-centered organization. Providing safe, high-quality and cost-effective care for our patients is our foremost responsibility. The care of our patients and their families will always be at the heart of our mission.
Our Mission
Find a Doctor
Make An Appointment
Locations
MyChart
Billing & Pricing
Contact Us
Call Us
866.600.CARE
UI Health Stroke Institute
Additional
Navigation
Home
/
Primary & Specialty Care
/
Stroke Center
/
What is Stroke?
Stroke Center
Meet the Team
What is Stroke?
Symptoms & Risks
Types of Strokes
Thrombosis & Blood Clots
Stroke Research
Understanding Our Stroke Care Results
Stroke Rehabilitation Program
Stroke Institute Patient Stories
Contact Us
What is Stroke?
UI Health is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, with stroke experts providing the highest level of care 24/7. We know that every stroke is an emergency. We provide rapid consultation for emergency stroke patients, and our door-to-treatment times are among the best in the Chicagoland area.
When blood flow to the brain is disrupted, brain cells begin to die almost immediately. It's essential for treatment to begin as quickly as possible. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons provide some of the most advanced, comprehensive care available for all types of neurological disorders:
Our Comprehensive Stroke Center is staffed around the clock by expert stroke doctors, including a board-certified vascular neurologist. We provide rapid consultation for emergency stroke patients, and our door-to-treatment times are among the best in the Chicagoland area.
BE FAST: Recognize, Treat, and Prevent a Stroke
UI Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center helps patients at every step of stroke care. To learn more, watch our segment on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago.
Stroke
Stroke occurs when a clot disrupts blood flow to the brain. There are two types of strokes:
Ischemic stroke
: This type of stroke occurs when blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or blocked.
Hemorrhagic stroke
: Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts in or near the brain. These strokes are sometimes caused by ruptured aneurysms or abnormal clusters of blood vessels called an
arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
.
Our neurosurgeons have pioneered new therapies for the prevention and treatment of stroke, including a unique type of brain imaging designed by one of our physicians. We have the experience and technology to provide the latest in stroke care.
Transient Ischemic Attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) — also referred to as a "mini-stroke" — occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked for a short period of time, such as a few minutes to an hour. Individuals who have a TIA may be at an increased risk for stroke.
Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm — also called a cerebral aneurysm — forms in weak areas of arteries that supply blood to the brain. Over time, the aneurysm can expand and form a bulge that's at risk for leaking or rupturing. Our specialists can treat brain aneurysms surgically or through an endovascular approach.
Brain Hemorrhage
Brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke characterized by bleeding in or surrounding the brain. There are two types of hemorrhage:
Intracerebral hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood leaks into the brain.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This type of hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues surrounding the brain.
Find a Doctor
Request an Appointment
Locations
Contact Us
Accessible Care
Privacy Policy
MyChart (Patient Portal)
Accepted Insurance Plans
Price Transparency
Pay a Bill
Give a Gift
Career Opportunities
Employee Intranet
Marketing Toolkit
UIC.edu
Website Feedback
Site Map
GENERAL INFORMATION
866.600.CARE (2273)
University of Illinois Hospital
1740 West Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
© 2026 University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
Find a Doc
Schedule
Locations
MyChart
Contact Us