Stroke

San Diego region’s leading stroke care provider

Two senior women sit next to each other on a bench, smiling at each other.

San Diego region’s leading stroke care provider

Scripps is San Diego’s leader in stroke prevention, life-saving stroke treatment and stroke rehabilitation. For the seventh consecutive year, all five Scripps Health hospital campuses — Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego — have earned the Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for delivering high-quality, life-saving stroke care. The awards, which are part of the AHA/ASA’s Get With The Guidelines stroke program, recognize hospitals across the United States that consistently comply with patient management quality measures.

About stroke

About stroke

A stroke happens when a blood vessel that provides oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked or ruptures. Without oxygen, brain cells start to die within minutes. The severity of a stroke depends on where the blood flow is blocked, and how many brain cells are affected. 


According to the American Heart Association, in the United States someone has a stroke about every 40 seconds. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and is the leading cause of serious long-term disability.

What causes stroke?

Stroke is caused by a disruption in the flow of blood to the brain. In some cases, there may be a blockage in the artery that cuts off blood flow. In other strokes, an artery carrying blood to the brain may rupture. The cause of the disruption determines the type of stroke. Learn about risk factors for stroke.

What are the types of stroke?

There are two types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. 


Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke accounts for 85% of strokes and is the most common type of stroke. Ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel is blocked. The blockage can occur in an artery that supplies blood to the brain or in a blood vessel in the brain itself. The blockage can start in that artery, or it may be caused by a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain.


Hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, or bursts. Potential causes include uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) or a weak, enlarged section of an artery (called an aneurysm).

What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

A condition similar to a stroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke” occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood is blocked only for a short time and there’s no permanent damage to brain cells. 


One in 3 people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, so the condition is considered a strong warning sign that a stroke may occur unless a patient makes important lifestyle changes. These changes may include:


  • Taking medication to prevent blood clots
  • Treating diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
  • Making heart-healthy changes in diet, including reduced alcohol consumption 
  • Getting regular cardiovascular exercise
  • Quitting smoking immediately

Signs and symptoms

A smiling mature woman in her kitchen represents the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke.

Signs and symptoms

Prevention

A mature man blows bubbles with his grandson on a park bench, representing the importance of stroke prevention.

Prevention

Stroke treatment

A smiling mature man reads paperwork over a cup of coffee, representing the improved quality of life that can be gained from quick treatment for stroke.

Stroke treatment

Quality data

A person points to a brain scan, representing the quality data for the stroke program at Scripps.

Quality data