Understanding Stroke

Most strokes involve a clot that blocks blood flow to your brain (ischemic stroke). Sometimes, a weakened blood vessel breaks, causing bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). A temporary clot can cause a “mini stroke” or TIA (transient ischemic attack). The smallest stroke can damage your brain or warn of a bigger stroke to come. It can limit your ability to think, talk or move. If you see symptoms, call 911 right away.

Know the Signs of a Stroke

Experts warn that “time is brain.” B.E. F.A.S.T. to prevent brain damage or death. B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. Learn more

B.E. F.A.S.T. CALL 911.

• BALANCE: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• EYES: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• FACE: Ask the person to smile. Look to see if it’s uneven.
• ARM: Ask the person to raise both arms. See whether one arm is weak.
• SPEECH: Ask the person to speak. Listen for slurring or incorrect words.
• TIME: Call 911 at the first sign of stroke.

High-Level Stroke Care

Orlando Health Stroke Centers provide superb care — from emergency response through recovery.

Comprehensive Stroke Center

A Comprehensive Stroke Center is designated to treat the most critical and complex strokes. The Comprehensive Stroke Center is located at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) in downtown Orlando – the region’s only Level One Trauma Center. Coordinated teams provide seamless care, from advanced imaging and therapies through neurointensive care and rehabilitation. The center is recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) with distinct honors. Learn more about the Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Primary Stroke Centers

Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, and Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital are designated Primary Stroke Centers. These facilities meet advanced certification standards through state and national healthcare-accreditation organizations.

Our Primary Stroke Centers evaluate and stabilize patients. They can deliver emergency treatments such as clot-busting therapy. Doctors may transfer critical patients to our Comprehensive Stroke Center at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) in Downtown Orlando. Telemedicine technology keeps our Primary Stroke Centers connected to ORMC specialists. 

Learn more about our Primary Stoke Centers.

Inpatient and Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke can cause mild-to-severe loss of function. It may limit your movement, vision, speech or other abilities, such as swallowing. Through compassionate care plans, innovative technologies and professionally supervised therapies, our stroke specialty teams will help you get back to living life more fully.

Orlando Health provides stroke rehabilitation services in Downtown Orlando and in Ocoee.

• Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center (BIRC) — Part of the Orlando Health Rehabilitation Institute (OHRI) at ORMC, this stroke program is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for quality, transparency and patient satisfaction. Learn more about OHRI
• Orlando Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center — Located in Ocoee, this center offers compassionate, comprehensive care. Therapies focus on the unique needs of stroke patients.

Stroke Support

Strokes affect every part of your life, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Orlando Health stroke support groups offer professional guidance. Connect with other survivors and caregivers. Find encouragement, tips, referrals and more to adjust to life after stroke