“We have to be in constant alert of symptoms and act immediately”, explained Dr. Fernando González-Portillo, Stroke Care Program Director at Osceola Regional Medical Center, the only health institution in Osceola County accredited by the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers.

After three years of developing a comprehensive Stroke Alert Program and training of a Stroke Alert Team, Osceola Regional is now assisting over 600 stroke patients. Each year about 700,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke and according to the American Stroke Association, women account for 60.9% of stroke deaths. Stroke is the third largest cause of death, after heart disease and cancer, and is responsible for more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease. Stroke, also called brain attack, is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. The most common symptoms are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and a severe headache with no known cause. Women may report unique stroke symptoms like sudden face and limb pain, hiccups, nausea, general weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. “It is imperative patients recognize stroke symptoms immediately and call 911, because the first three hours from the start of the stroke are critical. Time is brain. During this phase we can provide medication that can stop the stroke, elevating the chances of a better outcome”, explained Dr. González-Portillo. Proud to serve Osceola County, Osceola Regional’s Primary Stroke Center provides women and their loved ones much needed piece of mind… easy reach and immediate access to advanced stroke treatment by highly trained health professionals.

Prevention is vital. May is stroke awareness month.

Osceola Regional will hold a Stroke Awareness Lectures during the month of May at the hospital classrooms. For more information or to register, call toll-free 1-877-442-2362.