Certified Primary Stroke Center
A stroke is a brain attack.
Know the risk factors.
In the event of a stroke, every second counts. As time ticks away, precious brain cells are lost, threatening abilities, function and life itself. Stroke is the nation’s third leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability.
Time remains the Number 1 factor in stroke treatment. The faster a patient gets to the hospital, the more treatment options are available, leading to better outcomes.
Sacred Heart Hospital is committed to improving stoke outcomes for those in western Wisconsin, and has been certified to do so by the nation’s preeminent standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare, the Joint Commission. Our hospital is committed to meeting rigorous performance standards in stroke care and it’s ability to care for critical patients.
Sacred Heart Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center offers comprehensive treatment for stroke patients. Our center also offers western Wisconsin’s only use of the life-saving MERCI (Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia) Retrieval System. In emergency stroke cases, this technology provides hope when the window of opportunity for conventional drug therapy has closed.
We also are the only hospital in the area to perform intra-arterial cerebral thrombolysis, a life-saving procedure that attacks blood clots in the brain.
In emergency stroke cases, time equals brain. Insist on Sacred Heart Hospital, where advanced treatment options could save your life.
Who is at risk for stroke?
Many people are at risk for stroke, and some of the factors are within your control. Talk to your physician about lifestyle and medical changes you can make to help prevent a stroke.
Risk factors include:
- Previous stroke
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heavy drinking
Don’t ignore the symptoms. Call 911. And insist on Sacred Heart Hospital, where advanced treatment options could save your life.
What are the signs of a stroke?
Signs of a stroke include sudden face, arm, leg weakness/numbness; sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and/or sudden severe headache with no cause. If you develop any of the symptoms please seek medical help immediately.
What should you do if you experience signs of a stroke?
Call 911 and ask to be transported immediately to Sacred Heart Hospital.