When a patient with stroke symptoms enters our doors, Manatee Memorial's "stroke team" comprised of emergency room physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, nurses and technicians are trained to immediately swing into action.

After initial treatment, patients are cared for in a dedicated stroke unit staffed by nurses who are specially trained to care for stroke patients and educate their families. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second stroke. The stroke unit has a rehabilitation gym where can patients start therapy while they are still hospitalized. Manatee Memorial also offers outpatient stroke rehabilitation services at The Physical Medicine Clinic, located in the hospital, and The Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, located in East Manatee County. Both facilities are staffed with physical, occupational and speech therapists who work with patients to help them regain lost skills and restore independence.

Be Ready to Act

According to the ASA, the five typical signs of stroke are:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you experience any of these symptoms, or recognize these symptoms happening to someone else, call 911 immediately. Remember the adage that "time lost is brain lost," and the sooner you get to the hospital, the better your chances of making a full recovery!

Learn more about The Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center...