Fast, Effective Stroke Care at AHN Grove City Hospital

A stroke is a medical emergency, but fast care can make a big difference. Knowing what a stroke is and how to recognize the warning signs can help you or a loved one get the care you need when it matters most.

As a Primary Stroke Center, AHN Grove City Hospital is ready to provide fast, effective treatment close to home.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain slows down or stops. This keeps the brain from getting the oxygen it needs. Getting care quickly can greatly improve your chances for survival or recovery.

Types of stroke

There are three main types of stroke:

1. Ischemic stroke (CVA) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly blocked.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.
3. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage that causes stroke-like symptoms without permanent brain damage.

“About one in three people who have a TIA will go on to have a stroke, often within the first 48 hours,” said Brenda Palmer, RN, stroke coordinator at AHN Grove City Hospital. “A TIA is often a warning sign, so it’s important to get checked right away.”

Signs of a stroke

Recognizing the signs of a stroke can help you act fast. Common symptoms are easy to remember with the BE FAST acronym:

B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or coordination issues.
E – Eyes: Vision loss, blurred vision, or double vision.
F – Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb.
A – Arms: Weakness, numbness, or trouble lifting one arm.
S – Speech: Slurred speech or trouble speaking.
T – Time: Time to call 911.

Signs of stroke in men often include facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech. Women may also have these symptoms but are more likely to experience less common signs like confusion, fatigue, nausea, or fainting. A sudden, severe headache with no known cause can also be a warning sign for both men and women.

Why fast treatment matters

If you notice signs of a stroke, call 911 right away. Brain cells can begin to die within minutes, and there is a limited window for treatment. In many cases, for stroke medication to be effective, it must be given within 4.5 hours from when symptoms first begin.

Calling 911 means emergency medical services (EMS) will activate a stroke alert, allowing AHN Grove City to prepare for your arrival and provide faster treatment.

“A stroke alert clears the CT scan table so patients can be assessed immediately, sometimes right on the stretcher before going directly to imaging,” said Palmer.

Specialized stroke care close to home

AHN Grove City is a certified Primary Stroke Center. This means the hospital has been certified by The Joint Commission to provide 24/7 emergency care for acute stroke patients.

The hospital has:

• Advanced brain imaging available around the clock to quickly diagnose and treat strokes.
• The ability to provide “clot-busting” drugs that can minimize harm and improve outcomes.
• Access to stroke specialists through telemedicine for pre- and post-stroke treatment.
• Specialized inpatient care to support recovery.

This care is provided by a dedicated team that includes:

• Emergency medicine physicians
• Neurologists
• Stroke-certified nursing staff
• Stroke navigators
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Case managers and social workers

When in doubt, get checked

The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more damage can happen. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly — even if you’re not sure what’s wrong.

“Even if it turns out not to be a stroke, it’s better to get checked out at the hospital,” said Palmer. “Acting quickly can potentially save you or a loved one from permanent damage.”

Call 412-359-6200 to learn more about stroke care at AHN Grove City Hospital.