Stoke prevention guidelines can be used to minimize your risk of having a stroke. But even the best prevention methods are not always successful. Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of adult long-term disability. When a stroke strikes, the shorter the time between its onset and initial stroke treatment can mean a significant difference in the patient's outcome.

Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

Even if you are practicing stroke prevention guidelines, you should always know the warning signs of a stroke. Here are the common symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause 

Don't hesitate if stroke symptoms occur; rapid stroke treatment is critical. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

There is a FAST way to recognize and respond to the warning signs of a stroke:

Find out if you are at risk for a stroke. Read about the stroke risk factors from the National Stroke Association.

Rapid Response for OhioHealth Patients 24/7

When stroke victims are en route to OhioHealth's Riverside Methodist Hospital, the Stroke Alert System is activated by the emergency medical service (EMS). This triggers into action an around-the-clock stroke treatment team that includes a neuroradiologist, a neurologist, stroke-trained nurses, imaging technologists and pharmacists. Having these experts available 24/7 for immediate response is exceptional and uncommon for most hospitals.

At OhioHeath's Grant Medical Center, stroke victims receive the expertise of a Level I Trauma Center and a neuroscience team providing 24-hour care. In fact, Grant was the first hospital in Columbus to earn the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. Riverside Methodist also is a recipient of this distinguishing stroke achievement award. 

Our Innovative Techniques Save Brains from Stroke Damage

OhioHealth physicians are often the first in the world to research new stroke treatments through clinical trials, giving our patients access to the most leading-edge stroke treatments and prevention techniques available. Two devices among many we use include:

tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator): tPAs are enzymes that break up an ischemic stroke's clot. They are typically delivered via IV within four-and-a-half hours of a stroke. Our physicians have used new techniques allowing them to administer an intra-arterial tPA treatment up to seven hours after the onset of stroke symptoms.

The MERCI Clot Retriever: The MERCI Clot Retriever removes an ischemic stroke's clot with a coil-like retriever. Reserved for severe stroke cases, the MERCI can be used up to eight hours after a stroke's onset. In some cases, the MERCI has completely reversed the course of a stroke.

Reduce Your Risk with Stroke Prevention Guidelines

Talk to your physician about ways you can change your lifestyle to improve your health and lessen your risk for stroke. OhioHealth's McConnell Heart Health Center and Grant Health & Fitness Center are staffed with certified exercise physiologists and nutritionists who can help you make those changes and get you on track for stroke prevention and good health.

Call these Centers to schedule a tour and find out how you can set up a health and exercise program for you and your family.

McConnell Heart Health Center
Phone: (614) 566-5356

Grant Health and Fitness Center
Email: Grant_Fitness_Center@ohiohealth.com
Phone: (614) 566-9880