A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or when a blood vessel breaks and stops blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die, causing damage to the brain. Every stroke is different and the severity is largely dependent upon the area of the brain affected and the length of time that area was without oxygen.

There are three types of stroke:

• Ischemic strokes are the most common type. They are caused when blood vessels leading to the brain become blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain.
• Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are indicators of a high risk for stroke. In a TIA, the blood clot occurs for a short time and resolves itself. Although TIAs are temporary, they are strong indicators of a possible major stroke.
• Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels in or around the brain break.

Learn the signs of stroke so you are ready if you or a loved one ever suffers a stroke and always call 9-1-1 immediately. The difference between a recovery from stroke and a lasting disability depends a lot on response time.

• Balance: Does the person have a loss of balance or dizziness? Watch for sudden loss of balance or dizziness.
• Eyes: Has the person lost vision on one or both sides? Check for vision loss.
• Face: Does one side of the face droop? Ask them to smile. 
• Arms: Does one arm drift downward? Ask them to raise both arms. 
  
• Speech: Are words slurred? Ask them to repeat a phrase. 
• Time: If they show any of these symptoms, time is important. 

• Immediate access to neurologists specializing in stroke care within minutes of arrival in our ER
• Dedicated stroke nurse practitioners
• An acute stroke team
• Faster turnaround times for CT scans and lab results to improve timeliness of treatment
• Staff receive special training to care for stroke patients
• Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Program
  

The Stroke Center is nationally recognized for excellence:

• Get With the Guidelines^® - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 2018-2019, 2021
• Recognized on the Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 2018, 2021
• Recognized on the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 2021
• Stroke Care Excellence Award, 2014–2017
• Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll from American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, 2016
• Primary Stroke Center Certified, as recognized by the Joint Commission

St. John’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center is the beginning of the recovery phase for adults who have experienced a stroke. In this recovery phase, patients are assisted with restoring their maximum levels of strength, movement, and independent functioning. Patients and their families actively participate in planning and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan in which specific goals are established.  To learn more about St. John’s comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services, please call (805) 988-2667.