Warning Signs of Stroke
Anyone Can Have a Stroke: Would You Know What to Do?
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Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw has earned the designation of Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, a national healthcare accreditation organization. It is the only Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region and one of 14 in Michigan. This designation means that the hospital can treat even the most complex stroke cases 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Primary Stroke Certification
The stroke programs at MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Midland and West Branch are certified as primary stroke centers by ACHC, an independent accreditation program. This certification confirms that our stroke program is providing high quality care as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to quality and patient safety.
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Stroke Ready Certification
MyMichigan Medical Centers in Clare and Mt. Pleasant are certified as stroke-ready hospitals by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). This certification confirms through an independent evaluation that the program is complying with national standards and following evidence-based practices that improve stroke patient outcomes and reduce risk.
A stroke is a "brain attack." It happens when a blood vessels in your brain gets blocked or bursts. This stops blook and oxygen from reaching your brain, and that can cause brain cells to die quickly.
A strokes can make it hard to speak, move, or think clearly. It can even lead to death. But here's the good news — if you act fast, new treatments can help save lives and help people recover.
Why Every Second Matters
The sooner someone gets help, the better their chance of getting better. That's why you need to know the signs of a stroke and call 911 right away.
Use the B.E. F.A.S.T. Test
These signs can help you spot a stroke fast:
- B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E - Eyes: Sudden vision loss or changes in vision
- F - Face: Uneven smile, weakness on one side of the face
- A - Arm: Sudden weakness in one arm or leg
- S - Speech: Slurred or confused speech, difficulty speaking
- T - Time: Dial 911 right away
Don't Wait. Don't Drive. Call 911.
Sometimes stroke symptoms go away quickly. But that could mean a mini-stroke (TIA) — a warning sign that a major stroke could happen soon.
Even if you're not sure, don't wait. Call 911 right away. Don't drive the person to the hospital. Paramedics can start life-saving care on the way. People who go by ambulance get to the hospital 30 minutes faster than by car.1
Want to Learn More?
1. Canto, et. al, “Use of Emergency Medical Services in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Subsequent Quality of Care.” Circulation, 2002, Vol. 106, p. 3018.
