Stroke and Endovascular Program
Stroke is a medical emergency and receiving timely stroke treatment is an important step to recovery. Treatment must be started within the first few hours after symptoms begin to be effective. Calling 911 means emergency medical personnel can begin assessment on the way to the hospital and a specialized medical team can be ready on arrival. At Carle Health we strive to intervene as early as possible for patients with stroke symptoms, and we continue to provide quality care to patients after a stroke with the goal of optimizing their recovery.
What We Treat
Nationally Recognized Stroke Care
As a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Carle Foundation Hospital has an extensive team of vascular surgeons and neurosurgeons available 24/7 to ensure faster treatment and better outcomes for patients experiencing a stroke. CFH received the AHA/ASA Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award and Target: Stroke Honor Roll. Our Comprehensive Stroke Center status signifies that Carle Foundation Hosptial has the personnel, infrastructure, and expertise to diagnose and treat stroke patients who require intensive medical and surgical care, specialized tests, or interventional therapies.
A Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) delivers the highest quality of care to the most complex cases offering evidence-based treatments with cutting edge research protocols. We can treat patients suffering hemorrhagic or large ischemic strokes with follow up care in an intensive care unit. Carle Foundation Hospital also functions as a resource center for other facilities in their area, offering guidance and consultation for triage of patients, providing expertise about managing particular cases, and making diagnostic tests or treatments available to patients treated initially at a Primary Stroke Center or Acute Ready Stroke Center.
Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital and Carle BroMenn Medical Center are certified Primary Stroke Centers with The Joint Commission (TJC) and have earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization's commitment to providing safe and quality patient care the Greater Peoria region.
As a Primary Stroke Centers, Carle Health Methodist and Pekin Hospitals and Carle BroMenn Medical Center can provide treatment to a broader range of stroke conditions and are able to admit patients to a designated unit specifically assigned for stroke care. Our professional stroke teams — a board-certified stroke neurologist, registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and dietitian — provide coordinated care and treatment throughout the patient's hospitalization. Our commitment to providing ongoing care to stroke patients extends beyond stroke treatment with inpatient and skilled rehabilitation programs that focus on each patient's return to daily activities at home, work and the community.
Our highly skilled stroke team at Carle Health provides comprehensive care for all types of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases, such as:
• Aneurysm.
• AVM (arteriovenous malformation).
• Carotid artery disease.
• Carotid and vertebral artery dissection.
• Cavernous malformation.
• Dural AV fistula.
• Epistaxis.
• Intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
• Ischemic stroke.
• Moyamoya disease.
• Intracerebral hemorrhage.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Transient ischemic attack.
• Tumor embolization.
• Vasculitis.
WHO’S AT RISK FOR STROKE?
Think of stroke as a brain attack, which happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked, and cells begin to die. Treatment is most effective within the first three hours – and the sooner the treatment, the better chance of survival. Anyone can have a stroke no matter what age, race or gender, but some people have a higher risk.
Some risk factors are trait-based:
- Age 55 or older.
- Female.
- African American, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander.
- Family history of stroke or heart attack.
Take steps to help control these risk factors:
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Not enough physical activity.
- Using tobacco or alcohol.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF STROKE?
When blood flow to the brain is blocked, that’s when you’re against the clock. When you suspect someone is having a stroke, B.E. F.A.S.T:
B: Balance - loss of balance or coordination?
E: Eyes - blurred or lost vision?
F: Face - drooping or numb?
A: Arms - weak or numb?
S: Speech - slurred or jumbled?
T: Time - to call 911 - BE FAST!
These warning signs may last only a few moments, then go away. Even if the symptoms go away or lessen in severity, you still need to seek treatment – these could be “mini-strokes” and a signal that a larger stroke is coming. Knowing how to spot a stroke and respond quickly could potentially save a life—maybe even your own. Carle Health encourages you to take our short stroke assessment quiz below to learn your stroke risk level.
TAKE OUR STOKE QUIZ - Carle.org