Stroke Care
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. Brain cells can die within minutes, making stroke a medical emergency where time plays a major role. Early action and rapid treatment can reduce brain damage and permanent complications such as loss of motor skills or speech.
How common are strokes?
In the United States, about 800,000 people suffer from strokes every year, and nearly a quarter of strokes occur in people who have had one before. It is the leading cause of acquired physical disability in American adults, and the fifth leading cause of death. Northeast Florida is on the southeastern edge of a region referred to as the “Stroke Belt,” where strokes are most common in the U.S.
Are you at risk?
If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, a personal or family history of strokes, smoke, or have abnormal heart rhythms, you could be at higher risk for stroke. Ask your doctor about your risk for stroke, even if you don’t have any of these conditions.
Warning signs of a stroke
To Spot a Stroke think B.E. F.A.S.T. and get your family members or friends immediate care. Stroke symptoms may come and go or possibly disappear altogether. But if you detect any of the following, call 911. Never attempt to drive if you are having signs and symptoms of a stroke.
- Balance. Does the person have sudden dizziness or loss of balance while walking or standing?
- Eyes. Does the person have sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes?
- Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or is unable to rise?
- Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?
- Time. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
Thinking B.E. F.A.S.T. can save your friends’ and family members’ lives.
Why choose UF Health St. Johns Flagler Hospital for stroke care?
UF Health St. Johns Hospital is recognized by The Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association as a Certified Primary Stroke Care Facility. We participate in the Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) – Stroke registry. According to the American Heart Association, since the start of the GWTG program in 2003, more than 2,000 hospitals have entered more than 5 million patient records into the registry database. Studies based on this data have helped to create treatment guidelines and shown the positive impact the program has had on patient outcomes.
As a recipient of the Stroke Gold Plus award, we demonstrate dedication to patient care by achieving and maintaining the highest level of stroke care in seven nationally accepted core measures for 24 consecutive months.
Stroke care at UF Health St. Johns begins in the Community and continues through hospitalization to discharge back to the community. All departments are involved in helping to achieve this award: radiology, lab, cardiopulmonary, physicians, and nurses. Our overall goal is to provide quality care that is comprehensive, timely, and ensures the best outcome for each patient.
