Courtesy Texoma Medical Center
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every four seconds, an American dies from a stroke. Because most strokes are caused by a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, the cells in the affected area quickly begin to die. This is what makes stroke a leading cause of disability in the U.S. *
When There’s No Time to Wait
Minutes truly matter when a stroke occurs. The American Stroke Association® recommends that you ACT F.A.S.T. if you think someone is experiencing a stroke:
F=FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A=ARMS: Ask the person to hold up both arms. Does one drift downward?
S=SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “Dick and Jane went on a picnic.” Are the words slurred? Does the person repeat the phrase correctly?
T=TIME: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is very important. Call 911 immediately and get to the hospital fast.
Stroke Care at Primary Stroke Centers
When a loved one experiences a stroke, you want the right care immediately. A Primary Stroke Center may offer better health outcomes to stroke patients. This is because in order to earn this designation, hospitals must meet stringent criteria for providing comprehensive care for trauma patients from admission through rehabilitation.
Texoma Medical Center (TMC) has been designated a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, as well as a Level II Primary Stroke Center by the Texas Department of Health. This means that TMC is committed to the highest level of care for stroke patients.
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Find out more about TMC stroke services and how to join a monthly Stroke Support Group meetings: visit www.texomamedicalcenter.net/stroke.
