Stroke Care
As an Advanced Certified Primary Stroke Center, our stroke team provides an organized approach to expedite the treatment of, modify stroke-related risk factors for, and reduce disability in stroke patients. This certification is awarded only to hospitals that meet standards set by The Joint Commission for being a leader in the identification, intervention, and treatment of stroke care for patients.
Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes those hospitals that have state-of-the-art infrastructure, staff, and training to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes, including advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, and staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.
According to the American Heart & Stroke Associations, stroke is the #5 cause of death in the US.
To our hospital team, achieving Primary Stroke Center Certification is an important accomplishment. To our community, it’s an assurance that the resources and quality care for stroke treatment will be ready and waiting when needed.
Understanding a Stroke
Stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptures. When this happens, brain cells don’t get the blood that they need. Deprived of oxygen, nerve cells stop working and die within minutes. Then, the part of the body they control can’t function either. The effects of stroke may be permanent depending on how many cells are lost, where they are in the brain, and other factors.
You and your family should recognize the warning signs of stroke. You may have some or all of these signs. Note the time when symptoms start and call 9-1-1 or go directly to the Emergency Room. Stroke is a medical emergency! Don’t ignore these warning signs, even if they go away. Timing is important. There are treatments that can be considered within 4 1/2 hours of the onset of symptoms. Remember to think FAST if you suspect a stroke.
Stroke Warning Signs Include:
- 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
Determine Your Likelihood of Having a Stroke
Excellent Stroke Care Saved Patient's Life
When Hartsville citizen, Don Rowe, began experiencing a stroke at home, his wife knew he needed to be rushed to the Carolina Pines Emergency Department quickly. After receiving timely care, Don is recovered and living his life to the fullest.
American Heart Association's Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines Stroke Quality Achievement Award
The Get With The Guidelines® initiative helps hospitals across the country improve outcomes by putting the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s trusted, research-based guidelines into practice. CPRMC earned this award by consistently demonstrating its commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
At Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, we're committed to providing stroke care that aligns with the latest research-based treatment guidelines. Studies show patients can recover better when these guidelines are consistently followed. We're proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our achievement in the Get With the Guidelines quality program. This is just another way Carolina Pines is working to make communities healthier.