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.
Stroke treatment in Inverness, Florida
With every passing second during a stroke, your chances increase for significant brain damage or even death.
The neurological specialists at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital are trained to provide rapid, lifesaving stroke treatment. This can reduce, or even prevent, loss of brain function during a stroke. Working together, our skilled care team delivers fast, effective care focused on your long-term health.
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 care center
From prompt diagnosis and treatment to personalized rehabilitative services, we are here to provide comprehensive care when a stroke occurs.
Nationally recognized stroke care
Our hospital's emergency room (ER) team is equipped 24/7 to provide emergency stroke treatment. We have earned the Gold Seal of Approval for outstanding stroke treatment and have been designated an accredited Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. This distinction is awarded only to those programs that comply with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care.
Additionally, as a Primary Stroke Center, we are committed to educating Citrus County on how to recognize the signs of stroke and reduce risk factors for stroke to help save lives.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation after stroke
After experiencing a stroke, your entire life can change. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can help you through these major changes. You may have to learn how to walk again, perform basic daily tasks or regain motor function. Our highly skilled team of physical therapists and rehabilitative specialists will design a tailored recovery program just for you. They will guide you to reach your maximum abilities and help you regain your independence.
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