Stroke Care
When a patient comes to the hospital with stroke symptoms, it’s crucial to make a proper diagnosis quickly in order to begin treatment to minimize the effects of a stroke. The stroke care team at Medical Center of South Arkansas includes nurses trained in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale to assess patients and deliver potentially life-saving care for stroke patients.
The team works jointly with neurologists from partner hospitals for teleneurology, accessing the patient remotely by videoconference, helping them get the care they need while reducing waiting times.
The stroke care team at MCSA collaborates with local EMS to provide patients with quick access to care.
What is a Stroke?
Stroke, also called a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke).
Following a stroke, our rehabilitation care team is here to help individuals regain their independence. MCSA’s multidisciplinary rehabilitation team provides caring, personalized assistance to help patients meet their goals and overcome any lasting or long-term symptoms.
Stroke Warning Signs - B.E.F.A.S.T.
Recognizing symptoms can save a life and decrease the chances of permanent disabilities.
Use the letters in B.E.F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke:
- Balance: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance or are they dizzy? Are they walking differently?
- Eyes: Ask the person if they have sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Do they have blurry or double vision?
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Is their smile uneven?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!
Other symptoms of a stroke can include additional numbness throughout the body, especially if it's all located on one side or part of the body, confusion with speech and communication, difficulty seeing, dizziness or weakness when it comes to walking and coordination and a sudden or severe headache.
If you think you or a loved one may be having a stroke, dial 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
For more information about stroke care at MCSA, please call the hospital at (870) 863-2000 and ask to speak with our stroke coordinator.