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 center in South Tampa, Florida
When someone experiences stroke symptoms, it's critical to seek emergency medical care quickly.
At HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, we have physicians standing by 24/7 in our emergency room (ER) to provide lifesaving stroke treatment. Our stroke intervention team is highly skilled at quickly identifying the type of stroke you or your loved one is experiencing and administering the proper treatment. Following stroke treatment, we have a full range of medical services to support a safe recovery.
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.
Our stroke treatments and services
We provide comprehensive stroke care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, ensuring you have access to the treatment and support you need.
Nationally recognized stroke center
Our hospital is certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. This certification reflects our commitment to providing high quality stroke care and meeting the specialized needs of patients who experience a stroke.
Stroke diagnostics
When diagnosing a stroke, imaging services are crucial to visualize the brain. Our hospital is equipped with advanced imaging technology that allows us to swiftly and accurately diagnose a stroke.
Emergency stroke treatment
We can provide stroke treatment in our emergency room (ER) 24/7. Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke being experienced. When an ischemic stroke is diagnosed, the primary goal in treatment is to open up the blockage through clot-busting medication or a minimally invasive procedure, if needed.
Alternatively, the goal in treating a hemorrhagic stroke is to relieve the excess pressure being put on the brain by the bleeding from an artery or aneurysm. In some cases of a hemorrhagic stroke, surgical procedures, such as aneurysm coiling, may be needed.
Stroke recovery
After receiving treatment for a stroke, many patients require an inpatient hospital stay for the beginning of their recovery process. Our intensive care unit (ICU) offers advanced care for patients requiring additional supervision and support following a stroke.
Stroke rehabilitation
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often part of the care process following a stroke. This is because a stroke may cause damage to the brain that can result in difficulty with coordination, motor function and speech. For this reason, we have physical, occupational and speech therapists on-site to help our patients regain their highest level of function.
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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