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Spot a Stroke and BE FAST

  • Balance - Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
  • Eyes - Sudden change in vision.
  • Face - Sudden weakness of the face.
  • Arms - Sudden weakness of an arm.
  • Speech - Sudden difficulty speaking.
  • Time - The time symptoms started.

If you or someone else shows signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical care.

BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. Copyright 2011, Intermountain Health Care.

Stroke FlyerDownload this flyer for a quick reference of stroke symptoms.

Stroke Care

When stroke strikes, you need fast, effective treatment. Choose Cone Health for emergency care that improves your chances of recovery. Then, count on our team to help you improve your well-being and prevent subsequent strokes.

Leaders in Stroke Care


Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold PlusYou’ll find exceptional stroke care at Cone Health at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital which is a Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, the top designation possible, held by only about two percent of hospitals nationwide.

The Stroke Center at Moses Cone Hospital has earned numerous recognitions, including:

  • The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval
  • American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with the Guidelines-Stroke® program—Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Elite Plus & Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll – 2020
  • Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety in Stroke Care -- CareChex Awards by Quantros, 2020

View some of the quality data that helped the stroke center at Moses Cone Hospital earn these achievements.

No matter which Cone Health hospital you go to, you’ll receive expert care because neurologists are available in-person or through telemedicine video consultations to emergency departments at Alamance Regional Medical Center, Annie Penn Hospital, and Wesley Long Hospital.

In 2019, Alamance Regional Medical Center was named a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. A Primary Stroke Center has made exceptional efforts to foster better stroke outcomes and signifies that a hospital has the elements needed for long term-success. In 2020, Alamance Regional Medical Center achieved Stroke Silver Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognition in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke® program.

In 2016, Annie Penn Hospital was named an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by the Joint Commission. This program recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous standards and support better outcomes for patient stroke care. In 2020, Annie Penn Hospital achieved Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll recognition in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke® program.

Stroke services also are available in the 24-hour emergency department at MedCenter High Point.

Emergency Stroke Treatment

Improve your chances for the best possible outcome by calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of stroke. Count on Cone Health to quickly identify the type of stroke you’re experiencing and begin treatment right away.

Advanced Clot-Busting Techniques

Revascularization Device

Revascularization Device

If your stroke is ischemic—meaning it’s caused by a blood clot—you may benefit from:

  • tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) – Uses a medicine administered through an intravenous (IV) line to dissolve clots; it must be given within soon after stroke symptoms begin and can significantly reduce the effects of stroke (available at all Cone Health emergency departments)
  • Clot retrieval device (endovascular revascularization) – Guides a thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, through your blood vessels to directly access and restore blood flow (available at Moses Cone Hospital)

Treatments to Control Bleeding

If your stroke is hemorrhagic—meaning it’s caused by a broken or leaking blood vessel—your doctors will work quickly to identify and control the cause of bleeding.

Top-Quality Neurological Services

Learn about the full array of neuroscience care—including neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology—at Cone Health.

Specialized Stroke Rehabilitation

After a stroke, work with Cone Health’s stroke rehabilitation specialists to build your strength, skills and confidence. Join a stroke support group to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Prevent Recurrent Strokes

After a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), count on your Cone Health care team to help you identify and reduce your risk factors for another stroke.

Uncovering Atrial Fibrillation

After you’re treated for stroke, you may be screened for atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a heart rhythm disorder that, untreated, causes an estimated 15 percent of strokes. Because an irregular heartbeat may not appear for weeks, your Cone Health doctors may recommend placing an implantable loop recorder—a small device that can monitor your heart for up to three years, giving us a better chance of uncovering your AFib and helping you prevent subsequent strokes. Cone Health is a leader and early adapter of this technology for stroke prevention.

Wellness Matters

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