Good Samaritan Hospital became the first hospital in the state to receive the combined recognition of the State as a Designated Stroke Center and the Gold Seal of Approval for healthcare quality for strokes from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

What Is a Stroke?

A Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), most commonly known as a Stroke, is the 3rd leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer.  It is also a leading cause of severe long-term disability.  Are you at risk for a stroke?

Just as a heart attack is caused when blood flow is restricted to the heart’s arteries, a stroke is caused when blood flow to the brain is restricted.  A stroke occurs when brain cells die from lack of oxygen. 

A stroke is a life-threatening event that happens when part of the brain is not getting enough oxygen. It may be due to either a prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain or bleeding into or around the brain. Each year, approximately 600,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

If someone is experiencing signs of a stroke they must receive medical care as quickly as possible to avoid permanent brain tissue damage or death.  The most common symptoms of a stroke include:

• A sudden numbness or weakness of the 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 with no known cause.

It is important to note that not all of these warning signs happen in every case, but if you experience any of these you must seek medical attention immediately. 
A stroke is a medical emergency – CALL 911.

Fact to Remember - 80% of strokes are preventable!