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 Sebring, Florida
When you're experiencing stroke symptoms, it's essential to seek emergency medical help.
The highly skilled stroke team at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital delivers lifesaving stroke care around the clock. We provide comprehensive stroke treatments and technologies to minimize the long-term effects of a stroke.
Stroke is a medical emergency.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Comprehensive stroke care
Through our stroke care program, we provide high quality, coordinated care — from diagnosis and treatment throughout recovery.
Emergency stroke care
Our emergency room (ER) is open 24/7, and specialists are always on-site to provide fast, effective stroke care. We are equipped with the most advanced testing and imaging technology available. This allows our stroke care team to identify the type of stroke within minutes and begin treatment.
Stroke treatments
Evidence shows that timely stroke treatment from a skilled team can greatly increase your chances of recovery. The stroke care specialists at our hospital are equipped to deliver life-saving care for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
They can perform the latest minimally invasive treatment options, including:
- Angioplasty and stent placement open blocked arteries and veins.
- Embolizing agents (clotting medications) stop blood flow resulting from hemorrhagic strokes.
- Minimally invasive surgery removes a clot or repairs arteries and veins.
- Thrombolytic therapy dissolves clots with medicine to treat ischemic strokes.
Stroke rehabilitation
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
Looking for a location?
Our Stroke Locations
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