Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke -- a potentially catastrophic event in which the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted.

Yet, because stroke often occurs without pain, people wait an average of 22 hours before seeking treatment. That's a serious problem, because the best chance for a full recovery from the most common type of stroke comes when treatment begins within three hours. Learn the signs of stroke.

If you think you are having a stroke, call 911. 

If you have minor or resolving symptoms, still get emergency assistance right away.

Duke University Hospital Emergency Department is part of the fully integrated Duke Stroke Team organized to provide state-of-the-art emergency care.

DukeHealth.org Patient Education Resources

Topic Centers

• Stroke Topic Center

Events

• Stroke Support Group

News

• A Pressing Need for Urgent Care (health.nytimes.com): Q&A featuring Larry Goldstein, MD

Video

• New Developments in Stroke Prevention (ABCNews.com): Interview with Larry Goldstein, MD

Additional Resources for Patients and Caregivers

• American Stroke Association
• National Stroke Association
• The Stroke Collaborative
• Stroke Trials Registry
• Stroke Council, American Heart Association
• Brain Attack Coalition
• National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke
• Stroke Belt Consortium
• Internet Stroke Center