A stroke occurs when brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die either because of a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. Timing is crucial with a stroke: The longer it takes for treatment to occur, the greater the chances of disability or death.
Tampa General provides a full spectrum of services for patients experiencing stroke - from aggressive emergency treatment to stop a stroke's progress through comprehensive rehabilitation. They include:
Carotid and Vertebral Artery Stenting. The carotid and vertebral arteries pass through the neck to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If one of them becomes clogged with fatty deposits, brain cells can begin to die, an event known as a stroke. Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small metal mesh tube called a stent is implanted in a blocked artery to open a blockage and reduce the risk of stroke. The stent is delivered to the site through a catheter that is guided through the circulatory system from a blood vessel in the patient's groin. Tampa General is the only facility on Florida's west coast that is accredited by Medicare for this procedure.
Chest Pain and Stroke Center. A stroke team comprised of stroke attending physicians, interventional neuro-radiologists, and emergency, laboratory, and radiology staff is available 24 hours a day to immediately attend to patients with stroke symptoms. Rapid diagnosis procedures ensure that patients are evaluated and ready for treatment within an hour. Tampa General's Stroke Program is a state-licensed comprehensive stroke center. It is also designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, indicating it meets the organization's highest standards of care.
Peripheral tPA. This clot-busting drug is an option for patients experiencing a stroke caused by a blood clot. The medication is administered through a vein in the arm. tPA must be administered within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.
Interarterial Thrombolysis. Available up to six hours after the onset of stroke symptoms, interarterial thrombolysis involves delivering clot-busting medication directly to the clot using minimally invasive techniques.
Neuro Intensive Care Unit. TGH's 36-bed Neuro ICU ensures that stroke patients receive care specifically for their impairments. Early intervention is part of the program, with physical, speech, and occupational therapy available at the bedside as soon as the patient is stable.
Tampa General Rehabilitation Center. Once they're well enough, stroke patients can be admitted to the Rehabilitation Center, where a comprehensive program of medical, therapeutic, and case management services is provided to help them return to their highest possible functioning. Outcomes are very positive: 73 percent of stroke patients can return to their home environments after they're discharged from the Rehabilitation Center, compared to 70 percent nationally. In addition, the Rehabilitation Center's Outpatient Clinics provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy on an outpatient basis.
