A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain. Ischemic strokes, which account for the vast majority of strokes, are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, just behind heart disease and cancer. According to the American Stroke Association, each year nearly 140,000 people die from strokes. On average, that’s one stroke-related
death every four minutes. Thankfully, with timely treatment, the risk of death and disability can be greatly reduced.

That’s where SJCH’s Nationally Certified Stroke Center comes in.

From the first signs of a stroke, our Stroke Alert Team — made up of physicians, nurses, lab technicians, and imaging specialists — springs to action. In addition to highly skilled caregivers, the Stroke Center is equipped with the latest technology, including Bakersfield’s first hospital-based 64-slice CT scanner that provides detailed information about your brain within minutes, and the  blood clot-destroying Penumbra System. If you require a stay at the hospital, have peace of mind knowing that the physicians and nurses on SJCH’s specialized Stroke Unit are experts in monitoring and treating stroke patients.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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

Remember, not all warning signs occur in every stroke. Never ignore the signs of a stroke, even if they go away.

Although some people are more likely to have a stroke — those with a family history of strokes, men and people older than 65—there are things everyone can do to lower the risk
of having a stroke.

• Don’t smoke
• Don’t drink
• Control your cholesterol
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a diet low in sodium and fat
• Keep your blood pressure low
• If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s recommendations

If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Once the ambulance arrives, ask them to take you to San Joaquin Community Hospital, the region’s first Nationally Certified Stroke Center.

For more information on our Nationally Certified Stroke Center, please call (661) 869-6501.