Stroke & Brain Injury

A stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Quick recognition of symptoms and rapid medical intervention can help reduce the risk of permanent brain damage, disability, and other life-threatening complications.

If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of a stroke or has suffered a head injury, call 911 immediately or go to the Emergency Room.

Use the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym to identify the signs of a stroke. If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

• B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination; dizziness.
• E - Eyes: Sudden vision changes, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• F - Face: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile.
• A - Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms; does one drift downward?
• S - Speech: Is speech slurred or strange? Can the person repeat a simple sentence correctly?
• T - Time: If you see any of these signs, it is time to call 911. Note the time when symptoms first appeared.

Brain Injury: symptoms can include any or all of the following:

• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Profound confusion or disorientation
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Seizures or convulsions
• Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes

When a patient arrives at the Emergency Room with signs of a stroke or head trauma, our team moves instantly to assess the situation. Because "time is brain," Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center utilizes expedited stroke care and brain injury protocols to ensure a rapid and accurate diagnosis.

To determine the type and severity of the injury, our Emergency Room Care Team uses a combination of physical assessments and advanced imaging:

• Neurological Exam: We check for signs of confusion, changes in mental state, and physical coordination.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This is often the first step for head trauma or stroke. It provides a detailed look at the brain to identify bleeding, bone fractures, or signs of a clot.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used to detect brain tissue damaged by an ischemic stroke or to identify small hemorrhages that may not appear on a CT scan.
• Blood Tests: We use bedside lab testing to check blood sugar levels and how quickly your blood clots, which helps determine the safest course of treatment.
• Carotid Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to check for fatty deposits (plaque) that may have narrowed or blocked the arteries leading to your brain.

A fast diagnosis is critical for determining if a patient is a candidate for "clot-busting" medications or other interventional procedures. As a nationally recognized facility with detailed monitoring capabilities, we prioritize getting you the right care at the right time to minimize permanent brain damage.

When every second counts, our Emergency Room care team is prepared to deliver life-saving treatments for neurological emergencies. Our protocols are designed to stop further damage and begin the recovery process the moment you arrive.

Stroke Treatment

The type of treatment administered depends on the type of stroke diagnosed:

• Ischemic Stroke (Clots): For strokes caused by a blockage, we use "clot-busting" medications (thrombolytics). These are most effective when administered within three hours of the first symptoms.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeding): If a stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel, treatment focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing pressure on the brain. This may include specialized medications or surgical intervention by our general surgeons.
• Telestroke Coordination: We can consult with world-class neurologists in real-time, ensuring patients receive university-level expertise without leaving their community.

Brain Injury Treatment

For head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), our Emergency Room team provides comprehensive stabilization:

• Pressure Management: We provide detailed monitoring to manage intracranial pressure and ensure the brain receives adequate oxygen and blood flow.
• Surgical Intervention: In cases of severe trauma, our on-call specialists are available 24/7 to perform emergency procedures to remove clots or repair fractures.
• Medication Therapy: We utilize a computerized system to keep critical medications readily available to prevent seizures or further swelling.