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 stroke care in St. Petersburg, Florida
When you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, it's important to act quickly.
At HCA Florida Northside Hospital, our stroke intervention team is available 24/7 to provide prompt assessment and emergency treatment for stroke. We work together to deliver coordinated stroke care that promotes the healthiest outcomes possible for our patients.
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 treatments and services
We are dedicated to providing prompt, effective care to patients experiencing stroke symptoms.
Nationally recognized stroke care
Our hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by both the American Health Care Association and DNV GL Healthcare. We have also received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. These designations reflect our commitment to providing high quality stroke care and adhering to stringent criteria that leads to improved quality of life for patients experiencing a stroke.
Specialized neurological care facilities
As part of our neurological care program, we provide specialized stroke care and facilities. Our telemedicine program allows us to quickly diagnose a stroke and develop the most effective treatment plan. We also have a Neurointervention Suite where we perform interventional procedures and a neuro-intensive care unit for patients needing critical care following a stroke.
Emergency stroke treatment
Our emergency room (ER) team is equipped 24/7 to treat patients with stroke symptoms. Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke being experienced.
Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration
tPA is a clot-busting medication. In some cases, we can administer tPA through an IV to dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke.
Endovascular clot retrieval
This procedure involves a catheter, which is placed inside a blood vessel. Once it's placed, a physician can retrieve the clot from the brain or directly administer tPA to the site of the stroke.
Stroke rehabilitation
Following a stroke, physical therapy is often an essential step of recovery. Our therapists work with you to help you adjust to any changes in skills or relearn skills that may have been altered by the 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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