Stroke Care
Stroke Care
Comprehensive, Fast Access to Care
At Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, you can count on the fastest, most efficient and effective stroke care available in Reno County and the surrounding Central Kansas region.
We are a primary stroke center certified by the Joint Commission, and a certified Level III Trauma Center with a Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement designation. And, through our 24/7 Emergency Department, we offer round-the-clock access to neurological care via telemedicine.
Every Minute Counts
When it comes to stroke treatment, time lost is brain lost. Here is what to expect if you or a loved one suffers from a stroke and is brought to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department or is a patient at the hospital at the time of a stroke:
- A mobile ‘robot’ will immediately bring an experienced neurologist to the bedside of patients. Within minutes, the local physician and patient can communicate with the neurologist who can view the patient’s symptoms. Medical data, including imaging scans, can also be transmitted, allowing the local physician and neurologist to develop a treatment plan.
- In the ER, our team will ask about your medical history and when symptoms started. Brain scans will be conducted to identify what type of stroke you may have had.
- Once a diagnosis is made, you may work with a neurologist who treats brain disorders, a neurosurgeon that performs surgery on the brain, or a specialist in another area of medicine.
- Medicine, surgery, or other procedures may be needed to stop the bleeding and save brain tissue.
- After a stroke, you may need rehabilitation to help you recover. Before you are discharged from the hospital, our social workers will help you find care services and caregiver support to continue your long-term recovery. It is important to work with your health care team to find out the reasons for your stroke and take steps to prevent another stroke.
Acting F.A.S.T. is Key for Stroke
A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care. Act F.A.S.T. and call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone you are with shows any signs of a stroke. Acting F.A.S.T. can help stroke patients get the treatments they desperately need. The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following:
F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A — Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S — Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
About Stroke
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Types of Stroke
There are two types of stroke. Both types of stroke damage brain cells. Symptoms of that damage start to show in the parts of the body controlled by those brain cells.
- An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels to the brain. Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessels.
- A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Blood builds up and damages surrounding brain tissue.
Stroke Prevention
You can help prevent stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
- A healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying physically active
- Keeping your blood pressure down
- No smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
Learn More About Stroke
It’s important to educate you and your family about the risks and signs of stroke. We invite you to visit these reputable sites for trusted information: