1. Stroke Care

Stroke Care

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. That’s why when it comes to stroke and saving your brain, you need the best. Our team of stroke experts powered with the latest technology delivers the most advanced and coordinated approach to treating strokes.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, or "brain attack," begins when a brain artery or an artery leading to the brain becomes blocked or bursts. This disrupts blood flow to a part of the brain. If blood cannot get to the brain, brain cells stop working and begin to die. Two million brain cells are lost for each minute blood flow is delayed to the brain.

You have three hours to seek treatment from the time you start to experience stroke symptoms. Treatment by stroke specialists within three hours gives you a greater chance for survival and decreased chance of becoming disabled.

What are the signs of a stroke?

A stroke can happen at any time. Use the BE FAST test to see if someone is having a stroke.

(B)ALANCE Is the person having trouble with balance or coordination?

(E)YES Is the person experiencing blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes?

(F)ACE Ask the person to smile. Check to see if one side of the face drops.

(A)RMS Ask the person to raise both arms. See if one arm drifts downward.

(S)PEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Check to see if words are slurred and if the sentence is repeated correctly.

(T)IME Time when the symptoms started, and call 911 immediately.

If you think someone is having a stroke, the first thing you should do is call 911. It is important to get to the medical help as quickly as possible. Remember: Most of these symptoms are a sudden onset.

What are the risk factors?

Strokes are generally caused by risk factors that are ignored over time. The following risk factors can be controlled with the help of your provider.

  • High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. The ideal blood pressure is around 120/80.

  • High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. Your combined HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be below 200.

  • Heart disease, or Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), occurs in an estimated 2.7 million Americans and is the most common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) which can clot and increase the risk of stroke if it travels to the brain.

  • Sleep Apnea can be linked to AFib and is associated with increased stroke risks.

  • Diabetes: Approximately 20% of people with diabetes have a stroke. Maintain a blood sugar less than 100.

  • Smoking damages blood vessel walls, increasing your blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke. Within five years of quitting, your risk decreases to that of someone who doesn’t smoke.

  • Alcohol: Drink no more than one glass of wine or beer per day.

  • Obesity: Eat a diet low in sodium and fat. Moderate physical activity is recommended 30 minutes a day at least five days per week.

However, there are some risks you can’t control, such as family history of stroke and age. If an immediate family member has a history of circulatory problems or stroke, you are at an increased risk. People age 50 and older are at a higher risk for stroke, but a stroke can occur at any age.

Talk to your MercyOne primary care provider to see what you can do to lower your risk of having a stroke.

What treatment options are available?

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Every year, life changes in an instant for more than 800,000 Americans who have a stroke. However, a stroke can be treated successfully when recognized early – the sooner treatment is received, the less damage to the brain. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

Recovering from a stroke

  • Rehabilitation after a stroke is a team effort, which may occur in any of the following settings:
  • Rehab facilities
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Home health programs
  • Outpatient programs

Your care will be overseen by:

  • Providers
  • Nurses
  • Speech therapists
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Social workers
  • Nurse case managers