IRMC is your Primary Stroke Center
Every stroke is different and the effects depend on the area of the brain affected and the length of time those cells are without oxygen. IRMC is here for your diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation every step of the way.
IRMC is certified by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ). Primary Stroke Center certification recognizes the provision of evidence-based best practice to stroke patient populations.
IRMC's Primary Stroke Center is enrolled in the American Heart Association (AHA) "Get with the Guidelines-STROKE" performance improvement program. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association help ensure that hospitals provide care to patients that is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines on the latest scientific evidence.
In 2023, IRMC was awarded with Silver Plus Recognition. Hospitals receiving Get With The Guidelines® Silver Plus Achievement Award have reached an aggressive goal of treating patients to core standard levels of care as outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association® for one calendar year. In addition, those hospitals have demonstrated compliance to an addition level of quality during the 12-month period.
All About Stroke
Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke is an event that affects blood flow in the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel gets blocked or ruptures (bursts). This means that the area of the brain the blocked or ruptured blood vessel supplies can’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Without oxygen, nerve cells can’t function. Your brain controls your ability to move, feel, think and behave. Brain injury from a stroke may affect any of these functions. Several factors affect the ways people experience a stroke. They include:
- The location of the blood vessel that is affected
- The area of the blood vessel that is affected
- The type of stroke (Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic)
If stroke warning signs occur: Do not ignore them, even if they go away! Some people may have only one or two signs, other people may have more. Check the time when the symptoms first started. You will be asked this important question later. Act fast! Call 911 right away.
Always remember BEFAST:
BALANCE
Loss of balance and coordination.
EYES
Blurred, double, or loss of vision.
FACE DROOPING
Drooping or numbness of the face.
ARM
Weakness/numbness of arms or legs on one side of the body.
SPEECH
Slurred speech, unable to speak, hard to understand.
TIME
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Call 911 immediately!
Stroke Recovery
While strokes can vary in type and severity, many patients and their loved ones have been faced with important decisions that must be made quickly. Stroke recovery can occur in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, or in a Skilled Nursing Center, or in the outpatient setting while living at home. Recovery can seem overwhelming, but we are here to help you regain your courage and your independence.
Life after stroke can be an adjustment and bring certain challenges. Our team of experts at IRMC can guide you through every step of this journey.