Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is either reduced or stopped, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. A stroke may cause loss in brain function and affect movement and speech.
Emergency stroke treatment in Largo, Florida
Stroke is the leading cause of serious disability in the U.S. That's why, when a stroke occurs, every second counts.
During those critical seconds, you want to know that you are receiving the highest caliber of treatment. You’ll find that at HCA Florida Largo Hospital. Here, we have been recognized for our fast and effective stroke treatment, which adheres to proven guidelines and standards.
Our stroke care program
Our clinicians are highly experienced at diagnosing strokes quickly and performing the most effective type of treatment. They work together, from stroke diagnosis through stroke rehabilitation, to ensure you receive high-quality care.
Nationally recognized stroke center
Our main campus, located at 14th Street Southwest, is a Primary Plus Stroke Center through the DNV. This certification mean our program complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality care in the rapid response and treatment of acute stroke patients.
Emergency stroke care
Our emergency room (ER) is open 24/7 and offers:
- Trained stroke team available around the clock
- Rapid turnaround of radiology and laboratory procedures
- Multidisciplinary stroke committee that reviews patient care and outcomes monthly
Stroke treatment
Our stroke care team is prepared to provide lifesaving, emergency treatment as soon as you are in our care. When necessary, we quickly administer clot-dissolving medications, which are effective if taken within three hours from the start of your symptoms. In other cases, we begin interventional procedures as effective treatment to stop the stroke.
Our emergency team adheres to established standards when treating anyone identified as experiencing a stroke. Our commitment to these emergency standards often mean less damage and disability and an improved recovery following a stroke.
Stroke rehabilitation
Measured and dedicated physical therapy and rehabilitation is essential to recovery after stroke. It can mean the difference between returning home and staying in a care facility.
Through our inpatient stroke rehabilitation program, our licensed physical therapists help you become as independent and productive as possible following your stroke. This may mean relearning old skills and recovering motor function through various physical therapy and stroke rehabilitation techniques and programs, including occupational and speech/swallowing therapies.
Understanding stroke
A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate emergency care, which is why being knowledgeable about stroke can help save a life.
Types of stroke
A stroke is caused by interrupted blood flow to part of the brain. When blood flow is stopped, that part of the brain can’t receive oxygen and other nutrients. This causes brain cells to die and can result in permanent damage, even death.
There are different types of strokes, including:
- Hemorrhagic stroke: when a blood vessel ruptures and blood leaks into the brain
- Ischemic stroke: when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or "mini stroke": when there is temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain
Stroke symptoms
It’s important to be able to recognize signs of a stroke so you can act quickly when they occur. Common stroke symptoms include sudden:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Severe headache with no known cause (may be accompanied by pain in the face or stiffness in the neck)
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes (such as blurred, blackened or double vision)
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble walking
The symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of a stroke, but they usually last only a few minutes. If you think you are experiencing a stroke, don't drive. Call 911.
Stroke risk factors
There are certain factors and conditions that may put you at risk for stroke. However, some of those conditions can often be treated. Some of the major risk factors for stroke include:
- Being 55 years old and older
- Having a family history of stroke
- Having atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Having diabetes
- Having heart disease
- Having high blood pressure
- Having high cholesterol
- Having poor circulation
Looking for a location?
Our Stroke Locations
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