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 care in Miami
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
At HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, our physicians are prepared to provide stroke treatment 24/7 for people in the Miami-Dade County area. Our emergency stroke care team works closely with local emergency medical services (EMS) to deliver prompt, brain-saving care following initial stroke symptoms. From diagnosis and treatment through recovery, we are dedicated to your long-term health.
Related Specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Our stroke treatment program
We provide comprehensive stroke care at our hospital, ensuring you have access to the high-quality care and support you need.
Nationally recognized stroke care center
Our hospital is a Certified Primary Stroke Center designated by The Joint Commission. As a Certified Primary Stroke Center, we have met strict requirements and have demonstrated that our program follows national standards and guidelines to significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Our stroke treatment team
Our stroke care team works seamlessly together to deliver lifesaving care for you. This team includes:
- Emergency medicine physicians
- Neurologists
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Bedside nurses
- Rehabilitation therapists
- Quality manager
As part of our commitment to provide the community with the best possible stroke care, our stroke team is on-site 24 hours a day to provide emergency care for stroke. We also provide comprehensive neurological care services.
Stroke rehabilitation
Care and rehabilitation after a stroke is an important step in the recovery process for patients. That's why our hospital offers inpatient and outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help patients regain as much function and independence as possible after a stroke.
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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