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The Primary Stroke Center

Time lost is brain lost when it comes to strokes and since 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, there isn’t much time to lose. That’s why the stroke team at SRMC led the way in creating the first Primary Stroke Center on the southside of Atlanta. Originally certified by the Joint Commission in 2008, Southern Regional’s Primary Stroke Center has steadily advanced over the years achieving the bronze, silver, gold and most recently, gold-plus awards for maintaining excellence in stroke care by the American Heart and the American Stroke Associations; and successfully passed recertification in September, 2021.

For further information contact us at 770-991-8000.

Medical Team Meeting With Senior Couple In Brightly Lit Hospital Room

What is a Stroke?

A stroke, or brain attack, is the sudden loss of blood flow or bleeding into the brain. There are three types of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). According to the American Stroke Association, a stroke happens about once every 40 seconds to someone in the United States.

Read more about Stroke – Warning Signs & Risk Factors.

Types of Stroke

  • Ischemic stroke-occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked or decreased.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke-occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leaking blood into brain and causing injury to the brain from the exerted pressure.
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)-also known as a “stroke warning attack”, causes you to experience stroke symptoms that go away within a short period of time.

Tests That May Be Done For A Suspected Stroke

Technology allows the doctor to see how the brain looks, works, and receives its blood supply. These tests can outline the affected part of the brain. Most of these tests are safe, painless, and can be done as an outpatient. However, in many cases, these tests are ordered when a patient is hospitalized with a stroke. A doctor must decide on a case-by-case basis whether such test will be useful, and if so, which ones to use.

Diagnostic Tests

Electrical Activity Test in Brain

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Types of Blood Flow Tests

  • Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Test

Cardiovascular Tests

  • Echocardiogram