"This was such a scary thing to go through. I really needed answers and hope. Since my treatment, I have talked with a few people who know someone who is suffering from similar mini-stroke-like episodes, and I always refer them to Cleveland Clinic. I even carry the phone number to Cleveland Clinic in my cell phone to have ready to hand out! Without Cleveland Clinic, I really could have suffered irreversible brain damage."

Teresa Martens ( Higginsville, Missouri )

Each year, more than half a million Americans suffer from strokes. A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when the blood supply is cut off from part of the brain. For every minute brain cells are deprived of oxygen during a stroke, brain damage increases. The chances for survival and recovery improve when treatment begins within the first few hours of stroke warning signs.

Cleveland Clinic's Cerebrovascular Center offers a comprehensive program that provides medical and interventional treatment options for all types of strokes. Our specialists are dedicated to the care and management of strokes and are actively involved in the study of the latest innovative therapies to help increase therapeutic options for our patients.

Download our free treatment guide to learn more about this condition and what to do if someone is experiencing symptoms:

• Understand and recognize the warning signs associated with stroke
• Learn about the risk factors associated with stroke and how to manage those within your control
• Know the warning signs and treatment options for pediatric stroke
• Learn the questions to ask when considering a provider for stroke care
• See a list of Cleveland Clinic locations specializing in the treatment and management of stroke

Advances in the treatment of stroke have led to the advent of the primary stroke center, a hospital that is certified by the Joint Commission to provide advanced and comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and early rehabilitation to stroke patients. Cleveland Clinic offers Northeast Ohio residents nine primary stroke centers located at Cleveland Clinic main campus, Euclid, Fairview, Hillcrest, Lakewood, Marymount, Medina and South Pointe hospitals and at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.