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iAre you experiencing stroke symptoms? Call 9-1-1 immediately!
Sumner Regional Medical Center is a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) serving Sumner County and surrounding areas. Our goal is to provide the highest quality stroke care so you can get back to your life as quickly and fully as possible. Part of that care is educating our community on preventable risk factors and how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Because time is brain. The sooner you can get to a hospital if you are experiencing stroke symptoms, the better your chance of survival and a full recovery.
As Primary Stroke Center, we offer emergency care, 24/7 imaging, and round-the-clock neurology coverage with our neurohospitalists and teleneurology. We also administer Thrombolytics, a.k.a. the "clot-buster drug."
Things move fast in the ED because “time equals brain” in acute (sudden onset) stroke. Time is of great importance in the ED during a stroke. The activity may seem chaotic, but there is a purpose for every action. Blood tests, heart monitoring, X-rays and a CT exam will happen very quickly. The key question for your family will be the “time of last known normal.” This is very important, as it helps determine the type of treatment for the stroke patient.
Other conditions with similar symptoms to stroke and TIA will need to be ruled out to diagnose stroke. Some of these include seizures, fainting, low blood sugar, migraine headaches, heart problems, or other general medical conditions. The type of stroke must also be determined. Treatment for each type of stroke is unique.
You will be asked:
• About your medical history
• The last time you were seen well, without symptoms
• When the onset of symptoms occurred
• The last time you took anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), if any, and the name of the medication
• To undergo a neurological exam which may include a physical exam by an ED physician and/or a neurologist (either in person or by teleconsult).
There are many types of imaging you may receive. Here are some of the more common scenarios:
• CT scan to rule out bleeding in the brain
• CT Angiogram to rule out occlusions in the vessels in your brain
• EKG to look for irregular heart rhythms
• Other tests you may have during your hospital stay for an acute stroke work-up may include: EEG, Echo, MRI, TTE, carotid ultrasound, bilateral lower extremity ultrasound, and lab/blood tests
Thrombolytic medications (also called clot busters) work by dissolving blood clots that are blocking the blood flow to the brain. This treatment may be used for a person who is having a stroke caused by clots that block blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke). These medications can only be given within 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.
We offer inpatient neurology care through our neurohospitalists, hospitalists, and an agreement with Vanderbilt University Medical Center for teleneurology services.
When the brain’s blood flow is stopped by a blockage or leaks into the wrong place, brain cells die. This is called a stroke. Brain cells that die will not recover (resulting in permanent brain damage). Other brain cells are in shock and will start working again after a while. No one can tell just how long it will take for these cells to begin working again. Most healing happens in the first year, but people may improve their skills for much longer.
Disability from stroke can take many forms depending on the area of the brain that is damaged. The stroke’s effect may be slight and temporary or it may be serious, even fatal. A typical stroke survivor may not be able to use his or her right or left side of the body, or may have communication problems such as not being able to speak or read. Every stroke is different.
In an ischemic stroke, a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Most strokes are ischemic. The clot may form in the blood vessel or travel from somewhere else in the bloodstream. This stops oxygen and nutrients from getting to your brain and cells begin to die in minutes.
In a hemorrhagic stroke, there is bleeding into or around the brain. The strokes are less common but more deadly than ischemic strokes.
A transient ischemic stroke (or TIA) is a warning sign. This can also be called a "mini-stroke." TIAs usually don't cause damage, but they can be a serious warning sign that you are at risk to have a stroke.
In some instances, despite testing, the cause of a stroke can't be determined. Strokes without a known cause are called cryptogenic. It's estimated that about 1 in 3 ischemic strokes are cryptogenic.
Some risk factors of stroke are things you have control over.
It is important to work closely with your provider to control your risk factors and understand the medications you take.
There are other risk factors for stroke that you cannot control, but you should be aware of.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a TIA or a stroke, remember to B.E. F.A.S.T.
Balance: If you have a sudden loss of balance or dizziness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Eyes: If you have sudden vision changes, such as blurring or partial blindness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Face: Ask the person to smile. If the face is droopy on one side, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts down or cannot be raised, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Speech: Ask the person to say a simple phrase. If speech is slurred or they are having difficulty saying words, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately. With a stroke, time lost is brain lost. Another common symptom of a stroke is the sudden onset of a severe headache.
Learn more stroke signs and symptoms
https://www.strokeawareness.com
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/recursos-en-espanol
Download a Stroke Risk Scorecard
