Stroke Care

When minutes matter, turn to PIH Health for expert stroke care. Quick treatment from an emergency care team can increase the chance of a full recovery.

Signs of a Stroke

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Help limit damage to the brain by knowing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly. You can recognize a stroke by thinking “BE FAST:”

  • Balance – Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
  • Eyes – Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
  • Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile; is the smile uneven?
  • Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms; does one arm drift down?
  • Speech difficulty – Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like “The sky is blue;” can they repeat the sentence correctly and clearly?
  • Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away; check the time so you know when the first symptoms appeared

What to Do During a Stroke

If you or a loved one has symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. Do not try to drive to the emergency room yourself. Emergency medical service (EMS) providers will be able to begin treatment right away, get you to the ER faster, and communicate with emergency room staff, so they’re ready when you arrive.

See a doctor even if the stroke symptoms go away quickly.

Emergency Stroke Team

Your emergency stroke team at PIH Health includes:

  • Neurologists (doctors who specialize in the brain, spine and nervous system)
  • Radiologists (doctors who specialize in imaging technology)
  • Registered nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Lab technicians

Stroke Diagnosis & Evaluation

When you arrive in the emergency room, your care team will assess your condition and determine what type of stroke you are experiencing—so you receive the right treatment. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Imaging tests

Learn more about tests to diagnose a stroke.

Stroke Treatment

Your care team will provide prompt treatment for the type of stroke you’re experiencing.

  • If your stroke is caused by a blood clot, you may receive medicine to dissolve the clot. This medicine is called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). It works best when delivered within three hours of the stroke appearing.
  • If your stroke is caused by a broken blood vessel, you may have a minimally invasive procedure or surgery to stop the bleeding.
  • The emergency department at PIH Health Whittier Hospital is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center – They have the resources, staff and training to treat any kind of stroke.

After a Stroke

Learn about stroke care to help you recover and regain abilities after a stroke.