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A stroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening medical emergency. It happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, caused by bleeding or a blood clot. The best way to prevent further complications from a stroke is to know the symptoms and how to respond.
As part of our neurology services, Dignity Health Central California provides expert stroke care at our hospitals, including telestroke programs if you don’t live near a fully-staffed stroke center.
If you or a loved one are unsure about stroke symptoms in Central California, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room (ER).
It’s important to recognize the early warning signs of stroke, as this can be the difference between life and death. Seeking emergency medical assistance, such as calling 911, is the best thing to do in the event of a stroke. You should do this even if you’re not sure the person is having a stroke. It’s always better to be overly cautious.
Common symptoms of stroke include:
If you’d like to learn more about stroke prevention and awareness, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health Central California today. You can also take our stroke risk assessment to stay on top of your health.
If you’re unsure if someone is having a stroke, use the FAST method:
To diagnose a stroke, our doctors, emergency care providers, and telestroke neurologists follow a strict set of practice guidelines. Generally, a person’s physical signs are enough to make a diagnosis. If necessary, diagnostic tests may be recommended, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head. These can tell a doctor whether the stroke was caused by bleeding or by a blood clot. Once this is determined, specific treatment will be administered.
If you’re having a stroke, our experts are dedicated to your personal care and well-being. Learn more about treatment for a stroke at Dignity Health Central California.
Neurologists at Dignity Health Central California offer patient education on the signs of stroke in Bakersfield, and Stockton, CA.