Stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

FMC's stroke program is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, the foremost accrediting body in healthcare in the United States. Awarded to centers that pass a rigorous on-site review and thorough examination of the program and patient care, the certification recognizesthe center's commitment to following national standards and guidelines that can improve outcomes significantly for stroke patients.

Raising Awareness

Persons experiencing symptoms of a stroke needs immediate emergency care, just as if they are having a heart attack. The sooner medical treatment begins, the less potential damage to brain cells.

Stroke is a medical emergency. From the first sign of symptoms, call 911.

Within three hours of the onset of a stroke, we can provide intravenous thrombolytic administration. From three to six hours following onset, depending on the nature of the stroke, many patients can receive intra-arterial thrombolytic administration.

Diagnosing a Stroke

Diagnosis of a stroke is based on the patient's medical history and a physical examination. A variety of diagnostic tests are available through the Forsyth Stroke and Neurosciences Center. If a stroke is suspected, the physician will order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan to determine whether the stroke was caused by a clot of bleeding inside the brain. Additional tests might be completed depending on the scan results. Learn more.

Treating a Stroke

People who have symptoms of a stroke need to seek emergency medical care. Prompt medical attention might prevent life-threatening complications and more widespread brain damage.

If emergency treatment is sought within the first one to two hours after symptoms begin, some people with a stroked caused by a blood clot might be able to receive medication to dissolve the clot, helping increase the chance of full recovery.

Treatment might include medicateion to dissolve a blood clot (tPA) or clot removal using the Penumbra Stroke System or surgery. The type of treatment is based on the type of stroke and seriousness of the symptoms.