Think You Are Having a Stroke – STOP-CALL 9-1-1
Are You at Risk for Stroke? Know the Risk Factors
If you have these risk factors, consult your physician. Education, prevention, and detection can save your life.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Smoking
- Family History of Stroke
- Prior Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing symptoms and acting FAST to get medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities.
The warning signs of STROKE – B.E. F.A.S.T.
Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?
Face – Ask the person to smile. Is one or both sides of the face drooping?
Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one side drift downward? Is there weakness or numbness on one side?
Speech – Does the person have slurred or garbled speech? Can he/she repeat simple phrases?
Time – Call 911 for immediate medical attention if you notice one or more of these signs. Also, take note of when symptoms began.
New Sign of a Stroke—–Stick out Your Tongue!
Ask the person to ‘stick’ out his/her tongue. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. Seek medical attention immediately.
Dial Don’t Drive
Patients transported by ambulance to the hospital have better outcomes than those brought in by family members. EMS crews have the ability to notify the hospital of a potential stroke, mobilizing the stroke team before the patient even arrives.
Hamilton Medical Center’s primary stroke center program has earned the Gold Seal of Approval for healthcare quality. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations awarded Hamilton Medical Center Disease-Specific Care Certification for its primary stroke center.
To earn this distinction, a disease management program undergoes an extensive onsite evaluation review by a team of Joint Commission reviewers once every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program’s processes, the program’s ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization and interviews with patients and staff.
“This certification means Hamilton Medical Center does the right things and does them well for stroke patients,” say Charles A. Mowll, executive vice president Business Development, Government and External Relations, Joint Commission.
