Stroke Care
The Certified Primary Stroke Center at ACMH provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary care to stroke patients and their families. Treatment begins when a patient or family member calls 911. The highly-skilled stroke team at ACMH is mobilized as updates from the first responders are called in. ACMH utilizes telemedicine communication capabilities to access stroke specialists and administer life saving treatments.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without a blood supply and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can’t work properly. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States.
Brain damage can begin within minutes, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms of stroke and act FAST (call 911). Quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the chance of a full recovery.
What are the warning signs of stroke?
- One-sided weakness or numbness in face, arm or leg
- Sudden confusion or garbled speech
- Sudden change in vision
- Sudden severe headache
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
How is stroke treated?
Someone suffering a stroke needs immediate treatment to dissolve a clot or to stop bleeding in the brain. The best way to get this care is through rapid transport to the nearest certified Stroke Center. Stroke centers such as the ACMH Primary Stroke Center offer 24/7 multidisciplinary care. This includes emergency medicine, laboratory, radiology, neurology consult and, if needed, continues through inpatient care and rehabilitation services. With state-of-the-art telemedicine video consulting, patients at the ACMH Primary Stroke Center have 24/7 access to the optimal stroke care.
Risk Factors & Prevention
What are the risk factors for stroke?
Research has identified the following as risk factors for stroke: Diabetes, obesity, smoking, obstructive sleep apnea, sedentary lifestyle, heredity, high blood pressure, heart disease, gout, drug abuse, atrial fibrillation, and a poor diet which is high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Knowing your risk factors and talking to your physician about these risks is a step you need to take.
What can I do to prevent a stroke?
According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80% of strokes can be prevented. The following activities may help prevent a stroke:
- Control your blood pressure
- Stop smoking
- Eat healthy
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
- Control your weight
- Maintain regular check-ups with your physician
- Control your blood sugar
- Improve your cholesterol levels
- Limit alcohol use
- Protect your heart
- Take medication(s) as prescribed
Don't Delay
What should you do if you or someone you know is having stroke symptoms?
Stroke symptoms constitute an emergency. Remember to BE FAST:
- B - Balance
Is the person suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination? - E - Eyes
Is the person experiencing suddenly blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes? - F - Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. - A - Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? - S - Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly? - T - Time to call 9-1-1
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately
For additional information:
ACMH Certified Primary Stroke Program: 724-543-8216
Stroke Support Group: 724-543-8453