Stroke Center
For years, people mistakenly believed that once a person had a stroke, little could be done to improve chances of recovery. Today, we know differently. That’s why we are committed to actively educating our community about the importance of responding to signs of a stroke as a medical emergency. By acting quickly, we can help improve chances of recovery, shorten hospital stays and minimize the potential for permanent damage.
Moses Cone Hospital is home to a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center. Our highly specialized team coordinates a state-of-the-art program to identify and treat stroke patients quickly and effectively.
Symptoms of a Stroke
Even though we live in what is called the “Stroke Belt,” where stroke mortality is higher than anywhere else in the nation, many people don’t immediately recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Stroke symptoms occur suddenly and may include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you see someone having these symptoms, call 9-1-1.
Promising Stroke Treatments
Today, our most promising treatment for ischemic stroke is the FDA-approved clot-busting drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). To be most effective, tPA must be administered within a three-hour window from the onset of symptoms. Administering tPA or other clot-dissolving agents is complex and is done through an intravenous (IV) line in the arm by hospital personnel. If given promptly, tPA can significantly reduce the effects of stroke and reduce chances of permanent disability.
There is still more work to be done to educate the public about the sudden warning signs associated with strokes. While tPA has great potential, only 3 to 5 percent of those who suffer a stroke reach the hospital in time to be considered for this treatment.
For more information, please review our stroke internet resources.
Support Groups
Guilford County Stroke Support Group
The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital
1200 N. Elm Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336.832.8120
This support group meets the third Sunday of the month (except June, July and August).
Guilford County Heart and Stroke Partnership
301 N. Eugene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336.641.6091
This partnership is a collaborative effort among community organizations and individuals in response to a community health assessment that identified heart disease and stroke as important health issues in Guilford County.
If you have questions, please contact the Moses Cone Stroke Center at strokecenter@conehealth.com.
