Skip to Content

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 care in St. Petersburg, Florida

When you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, it's important to act quickly.

At HCA Florida Northside Hospital, our stroke intervention team is available 24/7 to provide prompt assessment and emergency treatment for stroke. We work together to deliver coordinated stroke care that promotes the healthiest outcomes possible for our patients.

Stroke is a medical emergency.

If you believe someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.

If you believe someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Related Specialties

Learn more about our related specialties

Our stroke treatments and services

We are dedicated to providing prompt, effective care to patients experiencing stroke symptoms.

Nationally recognized stroke care

Our hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by both the American Health Care Association and DNV GL Healthcare. We have also received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. These designations reflect our commitment to providing high quality stroke care and adhering to stringent criteria that leads to improved quality of life for patients experiencing a stroke.

Specialized neurological care facilities

As part of our neurological care program, we provide specialized stroke care and facilities. Our telemedicine program allows us to quickly diagnose a stroke and develop the most effective treatment plan. We also have a Neurointervention Suite where we perform interventional procedures and a neuro-intensive care unit for patients needing critical care following a stroke.

Emergency stroke treatment

Our emergency room (ER) team is equipped 24/7 to treat patients with stroke symptoms. Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke being experienced.

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration

tPA is a clot-busting medication. In some cases, we can administer tPA through an IV to dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke.

Endovascular clot retrieval

This procedure involves a catheter, which is placed inside a blood vessel. Once it's placed, a physician can retrieve the clot from the brain or directly administer tPA to the site of the stroke.

Stroke rehabilitation

Following a stroke, physical therapy is often an essential step of recovery. Our therapists work with you to help you adjust to any changes in skills or relearn skills that may have been altered by the stroke.

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

The Healthy Living Blog

Fresh knowledge and insights in and around healthcare industry.

Your child has a concussion. Now what? 

February 15, 2024
Children and young adults who participate in sports have a higher chance of concussion. Here are some telltale signs for when you should seek medical help.

Your child has a concussion. Now what? 

February 15, 2024
Children and young adults who participate in sports have a higher chance of concussion. Here are some telltale signs for when you should seek medical help.

How to prevent, treat and beat stroke 

May 03, 2023
Through stroke education and lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent, treat or beat stroke.

5 essential health screenings for men 

April 03, 2023
Health screenings are essential for all men to maintain good health. From cholesterol testing to prostate cancer screenings, learn what tests are recommended based on your age, health and family history.

Our Stroke Locations

Currently Viewing:

Northside Hospital
6000 49th St N
St Petersburg, FL 33709
 (727) 521 - 4411

Currently Viewing:

Northside Hospital
6000 49th St N
St Petersburg, FL 33709
 (727) 521 - 4411
Pasadena Hospital
1501 Pasadena Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33707
 (727) 381 - 1000

5.6 miles

Largo Hospital
201 14th St SW
Largo, FL 33770
 (727) 588 - 5200

8.8 miles