What is Stroke? | UI Health Skip to Content ES 866.600.CARE Find a Doctor Request an Appointment Locations MyChart Billing & Pricing 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 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 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 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 Call Us 866.600.CARE UI Health Stroke Institute Additional 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 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 Accessible Care MyChart (Patient Portal) Accepted Insurance Plans Price Transparency Pay a Bill Give a Gift Career Opportunities Employee Intranet Marketing Toolkit UIC.edu Website Feedback 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