For patients exhibiting stroke symptoms, time is crucial. Quick diagnosis and initiation of treatment can result in better outcomes and less long-term impact for the patient. To best care for stroke patients in our community, Bayfront Health has earned DNV-GL Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation, which designates hospitals with the advanced infrastructure, technology, staff and training to receive and treat patients of any age and with all types of strokes. As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, we are equipped and prepared to treat strokes faster than non-designated hospitals, offering:

• 24/7 stroke team access
• Advanced imaging technology and protocols
• Seamless integration with the ER

Our stroke care ensures:

• Rapid care – The effects of a stroke can be greatly decreased or even reversed if treatment is administered within three hours after the onset of symptoms. Our ER brain attack team joins together essential healthcare specialists with the medical technology needed for a quick response.
• Expertise – Our highly trained and experienced team of doctors, nurses and support specialists are experts in identifying stroke symptoms and delivering the appropriate care.
• Technology – Advanced testing and imaging technology allow our stroke care team to quickly identify the type of stroke and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment

Our stroke services range from emergency care to rehabilitation. In the emergency department, our brain attack team is trained to provide a rapid response, including minimally invasive, clot-busting technology. Our interventional neuroradiology team is able to diagnose and provide prompt, minimally invasive treatment options for severe, life-threatening conditions, including stroke and brain aneurysm. And our rehabilitation services for stroke patients include a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs. Working with a multidisciplinary team of skilled doctors, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, nurses and psychologists, patients learn the skills needed to help them regain their sense of independence and purpose.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Our expert stroke care team provides swift and potentially lifesaving care for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Our advanced, minimally invasive treatment options include:

• Angioplasty and stent placement – procedure or device to open blocked arteries and veins
• Embolizing agents – clotting medications delivered by catheter stop blood flow caused by hemorrhagic strokes
• Minimally invasive surgery – procedure to remove a clot or repair damaged blood vessels
• Thrombolytic therapy – clot-busting medicine injected to treat ischemic strokes

Stroke Warning Signs

The National Stroke Association identifies stroke as a leading cause of death among Americans and the leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. On average, someone will suffer a stroke every 40 seconds and someone will die from a stroke every four hours. Recognizing stroke symptoms and choosing B.E. F.A.S.T. can help save a life. Know the signs of a stroke:

• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of vision
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face or one side of the body
• Sudden, severe headache
• Dizziness and/or loss of balance

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember the B.E. F.A.S.T. awareness slogan.

• B for Balance: Has the person lost coordination? Are they having trouble walking or are they stumbling, falling or feeling dizzy?
• E for Eyes: Is the person experiencing vision loss, double vision or blurry vision?
• F for Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• A for Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
• S for Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Do they understand you? Is their speech slurred or unusual?
• T for Time: This isn’t a symptom, but a reminder that a stroke needs to be treated right away. If you observe any of these signs (it doesn’t need to be all of them), call 911.

­­View Our Network of Primary Care Physicians

Find your doctor from more than 500 specialty and primary care physicians with offices located throughout greater St. Petersburg.