Nacogdoches Medical Center is the city's only accredited Primary Stroke Center, designated by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. We're equipped to provide lifesaving care, ensuring stroke patients are seen quickly by physicians and staff with advanced training in neurology.
To be designated as a Primary Stroke Center, we must meet rigorous standards within our stroke program, including:
- A dedicated stroke unit with interventional service coverage 24/7
- An operating room that is staffed 24/7
- Ongoing community and professional education
- A dedicated stroke program director, an acute stroke team available 24/7 and an interdisciplinary team, including rehabilitation therapy
- Ability to perform specific diagnostic techniques as required by the American Heart Association and the Joint Commission
Stroke Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
It's important to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke. Remember B.E. F.A.S.T. to identify symptoms of a stroke:
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 sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Every second counts because brain cells could be dying.
Not every warning sign will occur in every stroke. And even if they do go away, these warning signs should not be ignored. Call 911 or your local emergency medical service number so an ambulance can quickly take the person to Nacogdoches Medical Center for stroke care. When talking to 911, an emergency medical service or the hospital, be sure to use the word “stroke” in order to possibly speed up a diagnosis. Every minute counts when treating a stroke, raising the number of brain cells that can be saved and chances for recovery.
Accredited Stroke Care in Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches Medical Center has the only accredited stroke center in Nacogdoches. Hear more from CEO Jeff Patterson about the importance of stroke care to our community.
