Stroke Care

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is either reduced or stopped, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. A stroke may cause loss in brain function and affect movement and speech.

Time to Care Matters

When it comes to stroke care, every second counts. Early intervention can dramatically improve outcomes. At the North Platte Valley Medical Center (NPVMC) in Saratoga, our 24/7 Emergency Room providers are specially trained in recognition and treatment of strokes, which means timely diagnosis and life-saving care.

NPVMC ER providers also have access to Telestroke Emergency Neurology through HealthONE Swedish Medical Center, which gives our team access to emergency consults from stroke specialists in Denver at the push of a button.

Additionally, many nurses on the NPVMC nursing team are National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certified. This helps ensure that stroke severity is accurately assessed and the most appropriate course of care is quickly determined.

When someone experiences a stroke, the speed at which medical treatment is delivered is crucial. The ability to administer clot-busting drugs like tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) within a few hours of stroke onset can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery potential. This rapid response, combined with the stroke diagnostic tools available at NPVMC such as our CT scanner, allows for the best possible care and outcomes.

The acronym BE FAST is a helpful way to remember the key signs of a stroke:

• Balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Check for vision loss.
• Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or become numb. Ask the person to smile and see if it is uneven.
• Arm weakness: One arm may be weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms to see if one arm drifts downward.
• Speech difficulty: The person may slur their speech or be unable to speak clearly. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to call 911: If any of these signs are present, it’s time to get immediate medical help.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be having a stroke, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately or head to the emergency room as quickly as possible. The medical team at NPVMC is ready 24/7 to provide the care needed to address this life-threatening emergency.

Early intervention could be the difference between a full recovery and long-term complications, so prompt action is essential. Stay informed, stay alert, and never hesitate to seek help.