Stroke care in Fort Pierce, Florida
When a stroke occurs, you want to know you're receiving the best care possible.
At HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, we treat all types of stroke, provide immediate complex neurovascular procedures and have a dedicated neuroscience intensive care unit (ICU). Additionally, we connect patients with community resources and host support groups to help stroke survivors achieve the highest quality of life possible. Working together, our entire team is dedicated to your long-term health and recovery.
Stroke is a medical emergency.
If you believe someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
If you believe someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Related Specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Our hospital's stroke treatment program
Our stroke team works together to quickly diagnose a stroke and perform the most effective treatment.
Lawnwood Hospital's stroke treatment program
The stroke team works together to quickly diagnose and perform the most effective treatment.
Nationally and regionally recognized Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center
The Emergency Department (ER) team is prepared and equipped to provide emergency stroke treatment 24/7.
HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital offers the area's first and only facility recognized as an Advanced Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center by The Joint Commission as well as a Primary Stroke Center by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Stroke treatment
Lawnwood Hospital care teams evaluate five to eight “stroke alert” patients daily. The collaboration with EMS ensures evidence-based stroke care is started prior to the patient’s arrival. Stroke assessments and diagnostics continue upon arrival in the Emergency Department. Some patients may receive an IV thrombolytic medication to urgently treat Ischemic strokes.
Endovascular surgery
In some cases, surgery is the best way to treat a stroke. Catheter-directed thrombolysis when clinical indicated, is used to remove a clot from the brain and reestablish blood flow.
Neurological intensive care
The Stroke Center includes Neuro Surgical ICU with specialized equipment, including a CT scanning machine and an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine that continuously monitors brain waves. In the Neuro Surgical ICU, medical professionals trained specifically in stroke treatment care for patients diagnosed with a stroke or other neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries.
Stroke rehabilitation
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy is available and part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Rehabilitation is often a necessary part of the plan for care after hospital discharge. Therapists are part of the interdisciplinary care team and work to personalize a therapy plan to help optimize function and recovery.
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, also known as a brain attack 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
Types of treatment
Hemorrhagic Strokes:
- Coiling of aneurysms: involves cutting off blood flow of an aneurysm.
- Ventricular drainage: a procedure that relieves pressure caused by fluids in the brain.
Ischemic Strokes:
- Cerebral stenting: the placement of stents in the arteries of the brain to maintain proper blood flow
- Intra-arterial tPA: an endovascular catheterization procedure to dispense a blood clot using locally injected tPA
- Mechanical thrombectomy: a treatment method for removing large blood clots through the use of catheterization and stent placement to restore blood flow
- Tenecteplase administration: intravenous administration of TNK, a blood-thinning, clot busting drug that restore blood flow to the brain.
Risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history of stroke
- Age (risk increases with age)
2024 stroke outcomes data
- Median Door to Needle time: 28 minutes
- Median Door to Puncture time: 107 minutes
- Median Door to Recanalization time: 135 minutes
Looking for another Location?
Our Stroke Locations
The Healthy Living Blog
Fresh knowledge and insights in and around healthcare industry.