Skip to Main Content

Delivering Care from Prevention to Acute Treatment to Rehabilitation

Problems resulting from stroke can range from minor to major depending on where in the brain the stroke occurs and how much damage is done.

 

Stroke Care


Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability in adults. As a designated Primary Stroke Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center provides integrated services in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

What is Stroke?

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, brain damage occurs and abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost.

Symptoms of Stroke

Watch for these signs and symptoms if you think you or someone else may be having a stroke:

  • Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Trouble with speaking and understanding
  • Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes
  • Trouble with walking

Diagnosing Stroke

What's done in the first minutes or hours after a stroke may determine the level of recovery the person will achieve. That's why St. Bernardine Medical Center treats every incoming stroke patient as an emergency.

Our staff consists of neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, nurse practitioners, and specialists. We deliver coordinated care ranging from stroke prevention and acute stroke treatment to rehabilitation services.

  • Intravenous rt-PA, carotid stenting, carotid endarterectomy and craniotomy;
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA), carotid disease, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke;
  • Assistance in disease management, risk reduction, and physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Act F.A.S.T.

Remember these signs of a stroke:

  • Face – Does one side of the face droop? Ask person to smile.
  • Arm – Does one arm drift downward? Ask person to raise both arms.
  • Speech – Are words slurred? Ask person to repeat a phrase.
  • Time – If they show any symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Our stroke program has been certified by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.

Learn More About Stroke Care at St. Bernardine Medical Center

If you would like more information or to find a physician, please call (909) 475-2543 or use our online search tool to Find a Doctor.