Emergency stroke treatment in Plantation, Florida
Stroke is a serious, emergency condition that requires expert, fast medical intervention. The emergency room (ER) staff at Plantation General Hospital is prepared 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for incoming stroke patients. Our hospital has years of experience treating stroke patients and we are certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. To learn more about our stroke services, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (954) 321-4099.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when there is an interruption in blood flow in the brain. This occurs suddenly and the longer blood flow remains blocked, the more brain cells die from lack of oxygen. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and is the number one cause of adult disability.
There are two types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke—Ischemic strokes are the most common and occur when there is an obstruction in one of the arteries that supplies blood to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke—Hemorhagic strokes are less common and occur when there is bleeding in the brain resulting from a ruptured blood vessel, such as an aneurysm. The ruptured vessel allows blood to accumulate and put pressure on the remaining brain tissue.
Fast stroke treatment
Patients coming into our ER have fast access to advanced diagnostic imaging to identify the type of stroke and quickly decide on treatment. We have a team of highly skilled medical professionals who are trained to quickly respond and administer treatment to incoming stroke patients. Our multidisciplinary care team includes:
- Emergency physicians
- Surgeons
- Neurologists
- Registered nurses
- Therapists
- Laboratory specialists
- Pharmacy staff
- Onsite radiologists
Every patient who is arriving at our ER exhibiting stroke symptoms will be subject to the following protocol:
- Each patient is evaluated and treated using a uniform set of guidelines to address both emergency treatment and ongoing care.
- A head computed tomography (CT) scan is performed and interpreted within 45 minutes of the patient's admittance to the ER.
- Tests will be conducted in our fully functioning, 24/7 medical laboratory for analysis and prompt results.
Warning signs of a stroke
Knowing the signs can save precious time when you suspect someone is having a stroke. If you notice any of the stroke symptoms below, don't wait—call 911 immediately.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs—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