Stroke Care
When a patient comes to the hospital with stroke symptoms, it’s crucial to make a proper diagnosis quickly in order to begin treatment to minimize the effects of a stroke. The stroke care team at ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda delivers potentially life-saving care. At ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, we strive to provide:
- Speed – Treatments given during the first three hours after a stroke can greatly reduce or even reverse the effects of stroke, so stroke care professionals are ready to jump into action immediately.
- Knowledge – Doctors, nurses, emergency professionals and other specialists meet high educational standards, and are specially trained to identify stroke symptoms and administer treatments.
- Technology – The stroke care team utilizes advanced testing and imaging technology, allowing them to identify the type of stroke within minutes so they are able to begin treatment. A 64-slice CT scanner provides the necessary speed and resolution required for rapid imaging of blood vessels in the brain, so doctors can begin treatment as quickly as possible.
The trained stroke care team can perform minimally invasive treatment options, including:
- Angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked arteries and veins
- Embolizing agents (clotting medications) delivered by catheter to stop blood flow resulting from hemorrhagic strokes
- Thrombolitic therapy deliver clot-dissolving medicine to treat ischemic strokes
- Minimally invasive surgery to remove a clot, or repair arteries and veins
Both ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda offer treatment, from emergency care to rehabilitation, and feature advanced evaluation, neuro-imaging and clot-dissolving treatments for those suffering from stroke or other neurological diseases.
Warning Signs
According to the National Stroke Association, a stroke is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and the leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. This year, a stroke will occur every 40 seconds and will take a life every four hours. Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death.
Know the symptoms:
- Confusion or difficulty speaking/understanding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face or on one side of the body
- Sudden severe headache
- Unexplained dizziness and/or loss of balance
Act F.A.S.T.
Do you know the signs and symptoms of stroke? F.A.S.T. is an easy acronym to help you remember them—and perhaps save a life.
F Face
Facial weakness. One side of the face may droop when attempting to smile.
A Arms
Arm or leg weakness on one side of the body. When attempting to raise both arms, one will often drift downward.
S Speech
Trouble speaking or understanding speech. Words may sound slurred or strange. Difficulty repeating a simple sentence.
T Time
If you observe any of these signs, time is crucial. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast.
Click here to request more information and receive a F.A.S.T. magnet.
ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte has received certification from DNV as a Primary Plus Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a range of stroke-related medical conditions. Read this article to learn more.