Stroke

There are many risk factors for stroke, and most of them can be managed. Our dedicated providers are here to help you reduce your risk for stroke. Some risk factors for stroke include:

• Age
• Cardiovascular conditions and events
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Carotid artery diseases
  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
• Certain blood disorders
• Diabetes mellitus
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Family history of stroke
• Gender
• Illegal drug use
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• Prior history of stroke or TIA
• Race
• Sleep apnea
• Tobacco use

High blood pressure and stroke

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. Most people who have strokes have high blood pressure. However, nearly one in five Americans do not know they have high blood pressure. It's important to have your blood pressure measured and keep it in check to reduce your risk of stroke.

High cholesterol and stroke

Most strokes are caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances called plaque in the inner walls of your arteries, and medications are often used to help reduce further buildup. Our providers are dedicated to helping you determine your cholesterol levels and manage new goals for your future.

Blood sugar and stroke

Having too much sugar in your blood can be bad for the arteries in your brain, and can increase your risk for stroke. Too much sugar in your blood vessels can cause arteries to stiffen and increase the buildup of fatty deposits. We can provide certain medications to aid in lowering your blood sugar, including injectable insulin or pill form medication.

Stroke treatment often begins with emergency medical service workers in the field. By the time you arrive at our emergency room, our stroke team is ready for you.

The signs and symptoms of stroke can be similar to other conditions. When you come to our emergency department with stroke symptoms, our physicians perform diagnostic tests to determine a treatment pathway.

Our hospital is certified by DNV GL Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. We are also recognized by The American Heart Association for excellence in stroke care. These designations signify our dedication to providing you and your loved ones with quick and effective stroke care.

After we identify a stroke or diagnose a neurological event or disorder, we offer many treatments, including removing the blockage or coiling, which helps blood flow diversion.

Emergency department

When you come to our emergency room, our medical team will explain what is happening during every step of the process. The key question for you or your family will be, “When was the last known well time?” We need to know the last time you felt symptom free before the stroke. This important question helps us determine the right treatment for you.

Following initial assessment, you’ll undergo a computerized tomography (CT) scan to see if the stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel or a burst vessel. The CT scan can also determine the type of medication our doctors should use to treat the stroke.

After the CT is finished, you will speak with your physician about your options. If the last known well time is less than 4.5 hours, you might be able to take clot-dissolving medication. If a clot is in an area where surgery can remove it, you may undergo a mechanical thrombectomy, which can remove the clot safely through a small incision.

During your stay, we’ll also record your weight, check your blood sugar and blood pressure and see if there is anything else we may need to address. Until we can evaluate the effects of the stroke, you will not be able to have any food, water or medications. After your nurse gives their approval, a speech therapist will see you to make sure you are eating and drinking as safely as possible.

Intensive care unit (ICU)

Sometimes, you may be admitted to the ICU, where the medical team is trained to care for those who have had a stroke. If you received clot-busting medication or underwent a procedure for a stroke, you will also be admitted to the ICU.

While in the ICU, staff will monitor you closely for any changes in your condition, and you’ll receive further treatment. We may order more tests to help your medical team plan your care.

Neuro telemetry unit

When you are medically stable, we may transfer you to our neuro telemetry unit. There, our highly skilled nurses will care for you and ensure that everything is ready before you leave the hospital. Your physician and nurses will answer all your questions and give you a stroke education book to take with you.

After you have a stroke, the risk of experiencing another stroke increases. It's important for you to eat a healthy diet, take medications as directed and follow-up with a primary care physician to manage your risk factors. After we treat your stroke, the recovery process may include:

• Inpatient stroke rehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy
• Post-discharge stroke rehabilitation
  • Caregiving support
  • Home health assessments
  • Physical therapy

Stroke support groups and education

If you or someone you know is a survivor of stroke or interested in our free stroke awareness and prevention lectures, call us at (951) 788-3463. We can connect you to our upcoming support groups and community events.