Stroke Treatment at Southern Regional

Southern Regional has earned the Gold Seal of Approval ^TM from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. This distinction was awarded after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review in November 2008 because Southern Regional demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

This means that Southern Regional is a Certified Stroke Center, and that we provide the highest quality care to our patients who are having a stroke.

What is a Stroke?

Stroke, or brain attack, is the sudden loss of blood flow to part of the brain. That part of the brain does not receive oxygen and begins to die. Treatment for stroke can prevent more of the brain from dying. In some cases, it can also help the parts that have already been affected.

Stroke is an Emergency!

1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke:

• Half of the people who have a stroke will die from it
• 1 in every 16 deaths in the U.S. is caused by stroke
• It is the number 3 cause of death in the U.S.    

Stroke is the # 1 cause of long-term disability.  Six months after a stroke:

• 30% of patients are not able to walk without help
• 26% cannot perform activities of daily living, such as eating or dressing, alone
• 26% are in nursing homes

What are the Signs of Stroke?

If you have any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately!

• Sudden numbness or weakness face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding 
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache

The National Stroke Association recommends this quick reference guide for recognizing stroke:  

F = face	Ask the patient to smile Does one side of the face droop?
A = arms	Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = speech	Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Do they have trouble talking? Are the words slurred?
T = time	Call 911 quick! Don't wait.

Are You at Risk for Having a Stroke?

Evveryone has some risk of stroke.  Some risk factors can be controlled while others cannot.  However, you are more likely to have a stroke if you have any of these risk factors:

Medical history

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Previous mini-stroke (TIA) or stroke
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Heart disease
• An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation
• Family history of stroke
• Preeclampsia
• Sleep apnea 
• Sickle cell disease

Lifestyle

• Smoking
• Overweight
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Not exercising enough

Other

• Men have more strokes at younger ages
• African-Americans   

If you have one of these risk factors, it is even more important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to prevent a stroke. Quitting smoking, losing weight, diet and exercise will all decrease your risk for stroke. Taking care of your high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical conditions will also make it less likely that you will have a stroke.