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.
Emergency treatment for stroke in Englewood, Florida
When you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of a stroke, finding emergency care close to home is critical.
At HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, our emergency room (ER) team is available 24/7 to provide immediate treatment for stroke. We provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis through rehabilitation, to ensure you receive the high quality care you need.
Stroke is a medical emergency.
If you believe someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
If you believe someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Our stroke care program
Our stroke care services bring together the expertise of emergency medicine physicians, neurologists and physical therapists, so you can receive the complete care you need.
Nationally recognized stroke care
Our hospital is an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, as designated by The Joint Commission. We are also recognized by the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program. These designations reflect our commitment to providing high quality, evidence-based emergency stroke treatment.
Stroke treatment
Medical intervention is required to stop a stroke and prevent excessive damage to the brain. The sooner treatment is administered, the more brain cells can be preserved and the better the long-term outcome.
Ischemic stroke treatment
For an ischemic stroke, our physicians are able to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This is a clot-busting drug that targets and breaks up the plaque that is blocking the artery supplying blood to the brain. It is most effective if given within 4 1/2 hours of symptom onset, which is one reason why time is so crucial when stroke symptoms are present.
Hemorrhagic stroke treatment
Hemorrhagic stroke treatment differs from ischemic stroke treatment because it focuses on controlling the bleeding in the brain and reducing the pressure that results from the bleeding. This can be accomplished through medications. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be needed.
Stroke rehabilitation
Following emergency treatment and intensive medical care, we offer physical therapy and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is an important step of stroke recovery to help you regain strength and relearn activities of daily life.
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
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