Stroke Care
Warning Signs of a Stroke
You should never ignore the warning signs of a stroke, even if they go away rather quickly. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden:
- Blurred, double, or decreased vision
- Confusion or problems with memory, spatial orientation, or perception
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination
- Numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your face, arm, or leg (usually on one side of the body)
Just remember, BE FAST.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, get care immediately. Faith Regional’s staff is expertly trained in providing best practices in stroke care. We can quickly assess and triage you accordingly.
What to expect when you arrive at the ER with a suspected stroke
You’ll be observed for any changes in your condition. The doctors will run tests to help find the cause of your stroke. These tests could include a:
Knowing the cause of your stroke helps determine your treatment.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The clot may form in a blood vessel or travel from somewhere else in the blood system. About 8 out of 10 strokes are ischemic strokes and they are the most common type of stroke in older adults.
If you’re having an ischemic stroke, your treatment will focus on restoring blood flow to your brain. You’ll be given a clot-dissolving medicine called tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). The sooner this medicine can be given, the better your chances are for a full recovery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
This type of stroke develops when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts. This causes bleeding inside the brain or near the surface of the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but more deadly than ischemic strokes.
For a hemorrhagic stroke, your treatment will focus on stopping the bleeding in the brain. Your doctors may use a combination of medication and surgery if needed. If you need a higher level of care, rest assured that we can safely transfer you to hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Recovering from a Stroke
Rehabilitating from a stroke begins right away. Once you are medically stable, you’ll be assessed by our rehabilitation team to partner with you to create a rehabilitation plan. The sooner you begin rehabilitation, the more likely you are to regain your functions.
Before you leave, you and your family will work with your care team to determine the best setting for your rehabilitation. This could include:
Recovering from a stroke takes time. While greatest improvement typically comes within weeks or months after your stroke, you could see continued improvement up to 12 to 18 months after a stroke.
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