When you have a stroke, your life can change forever in only a few seconds. During a stroke, part of the brain dies because it goes without blood for too long. The faster you receive treatment, the faster and more complete recovery you will make. 

At New Hanover Regional Medical Center, our Stroke Program provides you the best possible care following stroke. Our multidisciplinary team of experts is led by a vascular neurologist and includes experienced physicians, nurses specially trained in stroke care, rehabilitation therapists, technologists and pharmacists right at your bedside. We use evidence-based protocols to ensure high-quality care from the moment you arrive in the emergency department, through your recovery. 

Stroke Care You Can Count On

New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Stroke Program is recognized for fast and expert stroke treatment. Care starts when a paramedic identifies a stroke patient and activates a team back at the hospital to be ready to receive them and continues through treatment and rehabilitation. 

Our comprehensive approach to stroke care has earned quality recognitions from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. These awards demonstrate the care provided to stroke patients at NHRMC goes above and beyond the national standards for care.

What Causes Stroke?


  • An artery in the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke)
  • An artery in the brain starts bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke)

How your brain is affected by stroke depends on many factors, including:

  • Which part and how much of the brain is affected
  • How quickly the stroke is treated 

Some people who have a stroke have no lasting effects, while others lose important brain functions. Knowing your risk factors, and limiting them if possible, can greatly reduce your chances of stroke. 

Act F.A.S.T.

The best way to reduce your risk of long-term effects from stroke is to learn the signs and symptoms and act F.A.S.T. The more quickly you receive treatment, the less chance there is for long-term disability. 

