Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

Cerebrovascular accidents, more commonly known as stroke, are attacks on the brain that can cause irreversible damage, disability or death. Stroke is a serious health problem in the United States today, affecting more than 800,000 people every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, stroke patients receive specifically designed services and treatments that focus on prevention and intervention, as well as rehabilitation and education.

If you or someone around you is showing signs of stroke, getting treatment as quickly as possible is key to preventing death or minimizing disability.

BE FAST

If you suspect you or your loved one is having a stroke, remember to BE FAST:

• ​Balance is affected. A person may fall or feel unsteady.
• Eyes are blurry or have difficulty seeing when you ask a person about their vision.
• Face droops when you ask a person to smile.
• Arm weakness when you ask a person to raise their arms above their head.
• Speech is slurred when you ask a person to repeat a sentence.
• Time is important. If you notice any symptoms of a possible stroke, call 9-1-1.​

If you notice any symptoms of a possible stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association®/American Stroke Association's® Heart-Check Mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

The hospital has also received the 2024 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Fast and Efficient Stroke Response

Medical teams at Lakewood Ranch react to stroke with the same urgency as a heart attack. The hospital’s specially trained Stroke Alert Team can evaluate and treat stroke emergencies whenever they occur, day or night. With advanced techniques and technology, we can apply our treatment within minutes of your arrival at the hospital. Every second we save can make a difference.

The multidisciplinary stroke team at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center includes emergency physicians, nurses, neurologists, neurosurgeons and medical technicians. With a trained team of healthcare professionals working together, we streamline your care and reduce your chance of further brain injury. The National Institutes of Health have found that this team-based approach to stroke can improve long-term patient outcomes.

Identifying Stroke Signs and Symptoms

A ruptured or blocked artery in the brain causes you to have stroke. This event interrupts the normal flow of blood to the brain, depriving brain cells of the oxygen they need to survive. The loss of brain cells during a stroke can cause a number of symptoms.

Know the Warning Signs of a Possible Stroke

As every second is critical to patient care, it is important to know the warning signs of a possible stroke:

• Balance: Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Face: Sudden numbness or weakness, or face droops when you ask a person to smile
• Arms: Sudden numbness or weakness
• Speech: Sudden trouble speaking or understanding, speech is slurred

Stroke resources can be found on the American Stroke Association's website.