Stroke
A stroke is a condition in which the brain cells suddenly die because of a lack of oxygen. This can be caused by and obstruction in the blood flow or the rupture of an artery that feeds the brain. The two main types of stroke include ischemic stroke and hemorrahagic stroke. An ischemic stroke results from a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain because of an obstruction – often a blood clot in the brain or in one of the major arteries leading to the brain such as the carotid. A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, involves the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. About seven out of eight strokes are of the ischemic variety; the other 13 percent are hemorrhagic. When a patient with an ischemic stroke is treated within the first hour with a clot-busting medication, recovery can be complete. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, are more problematic because a ruptured blood vessel in the brain must be repaired surgically, and lengthy physical and speech therapy often are necessary for patients to regain some level of partial recovery.
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.
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, Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital and Orlando Health South Lake 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 Advanced Rehabilitation Institute, this stroke program is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for quality, transparency and patient satisfaction. Learn more about the Institute.
- Orlando Health - Health Central Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center — Located in Winter Garden, 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
| Measure | Orlando Health ORMC Median Time | National Goals |
|---|---|---|
| ED Arrival to Treatment with clot busting medication (Alteplase/"tPA") | 46 minutes | 60 minutes or less |
| Fastest Time to clot busting medication | 16 minutes | 60 minutes or less |
| Fastest Time to intra-arterial groin access for clot removal | 16 minutes | 75 minutes or less |
| Time to Stroke Team Arrival in the Emergency Department | 10 minutes | 15 minutes or less |
| Percentage of patients treated with clot busting medication within 45 minutes or less | 49.30% | 75% of patients treated within 45 minutes |
| Time to start of stroke procedure (intra-arterial groin access) | 92 minutes | ASA/GWTG Goal less than 90 minutes |
| Procedure Type | Number of Cases | In-hospital Mortality Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Carotid Artery Interventions (Stenting, Revascularization and Endarterectomy) | 51 | 0% |
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