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Stroke

Certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, Mary Washington Hospital provides stroke patients with the highest level of treatment and services according to national standards. We are dedicated to maintaining this quality stroke care with education and prevention programs and an excellent continuum of care from hospitalization through rehabilitation.

Complete the information below or call 540.741.4625 to receive a FREE MWHC Stroke Education Kit and special gift:

Stroke Awards

A Primary Stroke Center earns accreditation through intensive evaluations. Staff at a Primary Stroke Center continuously improve their efficiency and effectiveness in treating strokes from the initial emergency treatment through to recovery and rehabilitation.

The Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded by the Joint Commission, an independent non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs, to recognize centers that follow the best practices for stroke care. Programs applying for advanced certification must meet the requirements for Disease-Specific Care Certification plus additional, clinically-specific requirements and expectations.

"I thought I did not have time to have a stroke. I was too busy to have a stroke. I have a full time job, I’m raising three children, I’m just too busy to have a stroke. A stroke happens to people who aren’t busy, people who are ill, people who are older. People who aren’t me. As it was happening to me I can honestly say I had no idea what was going on. I never connected what was happening to me with the fact that I was having a stroke. If it weren’t for the Primary Stroke Center Team and everyone at Mary Washington Hospital, I would not be here. I would not be standing; I would not be speaking, if it were not for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Andrea McCauley, Stroke Survivor

You can save a loved one from death or disability.

Learn to recognize the symptoms and discover ways to prevent a stroke.

"BE FAST” and call 911 immediately at any sign of a stroke

BEFAST Web

Stroke symptoms and what to do:

You can save a loved one from death or disability by learning to recognize the symptoms of stroke:

BALANCE - see if the person is not walking straight or walking wobbly.

EYES - ask if the person has blurry vision or is experiencing double vision.

FACE- ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS- ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH- ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

TIME- if you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately!

Note the time that symptoms first appear. If given within three hours of the first symptoms, an FDA-approved clot-busting drug may reduce long-term disability for the most common form of stroke.

SUDDEN Symptoms of Stroke in Men and Women

-- SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg-especially on one side of the body.
-- SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
-- SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
-- SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
-- SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.
If you experience any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately. Note the time, it may be important in determining treatment.

Risk Factors and Preventing Stroke

Many people believe that stroke only occurs in the elderly and cannot be prevented. Both are myths! Stroke can occur at any age, and there are risk factors that you can control such as:
-- Control your blood pressure - Levels higher than 120/80 can put you at risk.
-- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
-- Cease tobacco use
- If you smoke, stop.
-- Maintain a healthy weight/diet - Choose a low salt, low fat diet with a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
-- Exercise - Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
-- Manage your diabetes -Manage diabetes closely to avoid complications that could result in a stroke.
-- Limit alcohol consumption.
-- Get treatment for atrial fibrillation - Tell your doctor if you experience heart palpitations.
-- Get treatment for TIA (Transient Ischemic Attacks) - TIA symptoms, “mini strokes” are just like a stroke but may come and go. Having a TIA can be a sign that something is wrong. Call your doctor immediately!

Find a doctor or speak with a nurse

Need help finding a local physician or specialist? Call MWHC Health Link at 540.741.1404.

If you would like to speak with a nurse, please call our MWHC Nurse Line at 540.741.1000, 6:00 a.m. to midnight.

Click here to learn more about the Primary Stroke Center at Mary Washington Hospital.

Complete the information below or call 540.741.4625 to receive a FREE MWHC Stroke Education Kit and special gift: