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 Tamarac, Florida
When someone experiences stroke symptoms, seeking emergency medical care is essential.
At HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital, our emergency room (ER) specialists are available to diagnose and treat stroke 24/7. We also work closely with local emergency medical services (EMS) to deliver streamlined, brain-saving care for people in our community. From diagnosis through recovery, our stroke care team is dedicated to providing you with high quality care that promotes your long-term health.
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
Our hospital's stroke care services
We are available to provide diagnostic and treatment services for stroke around the clock, ensuring you have access to specialized care when you need it most.
Nationally recognized stroke care
As a Primary Stroke Center designated by The Joint Commission, our program follows national standards and guidelines to significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Comprehensive stroke care
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 for providing emergency care for stroke. When a patient arrives at our stroke center, a physical exam and tests are conducted to determine the type of stroke a patient has experienced.
Diagnosing stroke
Detailed images are key to accurately screening and treating brain and nervous system conditions that may result from a stroke. Our advanced diagnostic tests include:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Computerized tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Depending on the diagnosis, our specialists at the stroke center are equipped to take quick action to help minimize the effects of a stroke on the patient.
Neurosurgery program
The neurosurgery program at our hospital brings together the collaborative efforts and experience of highly skilled physician specialists, nurses, technologists and other neurological health professionals.
The comprehensive program offers patients with neurological disorders a full range of services, such as:
- Neurological diagnostics
- Medical and surgical procedures
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Preventive care
- Support services
Our stroke center team
Our stroke care program includes the following team members:
- Neurologists
- Emergency medicine physicians
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Rehabilitation therapists
- Bedside nurses
- Quality manager
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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