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Stroke

A stroke happens when a blood vessel to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot. This prevents the brain from getting blood and oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, the nerves in the brain die within minutes. The more time that passes without treatment, the greater the damage to the brain. Treatment within three hours of a stroke can often reduce long-term effects.

Treatment for Stroke

When you’re having a stroke, urgent treatment is critical. It takes just 10 minutes for brain tissue to die, resulting in sudden loss of function. It is imperative to call 9-1-1 or be driven to a hospital if you experience stroke symptoms.

Physicians and emergency staff at Trident Health System immediately evaluate stroke patients based on individual symptoms. Treatments may include clot-dissolving and blood-thinning medications as well as medications to control blood pressure or treat high cholesterol to reduce the chance of future strokes.

Each of Trident Health’s Emergency Departments meets or exceeds national standards for quality of care for stroke patients. We earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers, just another example of why Trident Health System is better for you.

After your stroke, rehabilitation is an important part of your care and essential for helping you regain any lost physical or cognitive function. Trained therapists at each of our locations work with patients during their physical, occupational or speech therapy.

Are You at Risk for a Stroke?

Review the checklist below to identify your risk factors for stroke.

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Smoking
  • Obesity and physical inactivity
  • Heredity prior stroke/TIA
  • Age 55 or older
  • Gender – Males are at greater risk than females
  • Carotid or other artery disease
  • Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Coronary heart disease or heart failure

If you have any of the above risk factors, please contact your doctor. Know the warning signs and your risk factors – don’t let a stroke catch you by surprise.

Our heart and vascular patients have access to an experienced team of physicians, nurses, clinicians and rehabilitation specialists.
Find a Doctor

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Consult-A-Nurse® at

1-843-847-3463

Learn More

About Our STEMI Time
Cardiovascular Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Heart Attack
Stroke
Smoking & Heart Disease
Living with Heart Disease
American Heart Association - My Life Check Heart Health Score


Watch a brief video featuring Dr. William Yarbrough, cardiologist at Trident Medical Center, discussing life saving actions you can take when experiencing chest pain.

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