Stroke, also known as a "Brain Attack" is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability among adults.

Early recognition and treatment can help lessen the burden of long term effects of an acute stroke and increase the chances of an improved outcome for survival.

At Lake Health, we can help.

LakeHealth is designated by The Joint Commission (JC) as a Primary Stroke Center.  Obtaining the Gold Seal of Approval™ signifies that Lake Health’s stroke program met stringent criteria required by the JC and that the hospital underwent a comprehensive on-site evaluation. The JC reviewed the stroke procedures used by the hospital, which include the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association Guidelines.

As a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, Lake Health is dedicated to quick response, advanced treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.  Lake Health is also an American Heart Association “Get With the Guidelines-Stroke” designated Center, which aligns our clinical treatment with the latest scientific guidelines.

Our Primary Stroke Center offers a full continuum of care and interdisciplinary staff of experts.  Our Acute Stroke Team is comprised of Emergency Department Physicians, Neurologists and specially trained Nurses.

Stroke-Ready Emergency Departments

Coordination with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ensures that treatment begins in the field. Lake Health has partnered with Lake County EMS departments and has provided the Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics with focused training on the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Our local EMS partners call ahead to the Emergency Department to activate our Brain Attack Team.

Under the direction of the Emergency Department Physician and specially trained Registered Nurses, the stroke team immediately initiates a comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients who may be suffering a stroke. Neurologists are available to the team for further consultation and treatment decision making.

Stroke is an Emergency

Stroke is a Medical Emergency. Quick recognition of the symptoms is the first step in activating the rapid evaluation and prompt treatment necessary for successful outcomes.

Stroke Symptoms

The National Stoke Association uses the following information to get people to act faster in recognizing symptoms and getting help. 

It is recommended to think "F.A.S.T.":

F: Face - does one side of their face droop when they smile?
A: Arms - does one arm drift forward when raised overhead?
S: Speech - are they slurring their words?
T: Time - if you or a loved one experiences these symptoms call 911 immediately.

Stroke patients have effective treatment options available to them, but time is of the essence. A clot-busting drug called TPA or Tissue Plasminogen Activator, is one option that can only be administered intravenously (IV) within 3 hours of the first appearance of the stroke signs and symptoms.

The Primary Stroke Centers at Lake Health are equipped to rapidly assess the stroke patient and if eligible, administer TPA. It is crucial that a stroke victim be taken immediately to a Primary Stroke Center like Lake Health.

Stroke is a Medical Emergency, Do Not Delay.

Call 9-1-1 Immediately if you, a friend, a family member experience any of these signs.

Know Your Risk Factors

Studies show that a healthy lifestyle and diet along with preventive medical care where appropriate can reduce the risk of suffering a stroke. By modifying certain behaviors and getting treatment for risky medical conditions, we can prevent or control many of the conditions that lead to a stroke.

Common Risk factors for Stroke:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Affecting nearly 50 million Americans, it is the single most important controllable stroke risk factor. Having high blood pressure makes your four to six times more likely to have a stroke.
• High Cholesterol - It can indirectly increase your stroke risk by clogging blood vessels and by putting people at a greater risk of heart disease, another important stroke risk factor.
• Heart Disease - Having heart disease makes you up to six times more likely to have a stroke. Heart disease is usually linked to the build-up of deposits on heart blood vessel walls or to high blood pressure.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AF) - AF is an irregular heart rhythm affecting two million Americans. AF raises your stroke risk because it allows blood to pool in your heart, where it can form stroke-producing clots.
• Age - Your chances of having a stroke increase as you age. Two-thirds of all strokes happen to people over age 65.
• Gender - Men have a slightly higher stroke risk than women.
• Race - African-Americans and those of Hispanic decent have a slightly higher stroke risk than most other racial groups.
• Family History of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) -- Risk is higher for people with a family history of stroke or TIA.
• Personal History of Diabetes - People with diabetes have a higher stroke risk.

How to Prevent a Brain Attack

A brain attack is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems. Some risk factors are controllable and others are not. With proper attention to your controllable risk factors, the impact of uncontrollable ones can be greatly reduced. Stroke/brain attack prevention tips:

• Get regular medical check-ups
• Know the warning signs of a stroke/brain attack
• Follow your physician's medication and treatment orders carefully, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Do not change, add or stop medication without consulting your doctor.
• If you have atrial fibrillation (AF), work with your doctor to control it. AF can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart, form clots and cause a stroke
• Stop smoking. Smoking doubles the risk for stroke
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
• Control your weight
• Check and control your cholesterol level and salt intake
• Follow a healthy diet plan
• Get regular exercise
• Learn to handle stress with relaxation techniques
• Use birth control pills with caution, especially if you smoke or have migrane headaches