Stroke Center

A stroke is what occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or stopped. Within a few minutes of a stroke, brain cells begin to die. This is why it's so important for someone who is having a stroke to get medical attention as quickly as possible. Stroke affects about one person every 40 seconds in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are two kinds of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. In ischemic stroke, the most common type, a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. In hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain.

Level II Stroke Center

The Oklahoma State Health Department has designated St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center as a Level II Stroke Center. This means that the St. Mary's Regional stroke team has an organized approach and protocols for managing patients who come to the hospital for stroke treatment. Immediate neurosurgical backup is available at St. Mary's Regional, and everyone involved in treating patients knows his or her role, and works together to provide care.

As a designated Level II Stroke Center, our stroke team provides:

• Individualized care to meet stroke patients’ needs
• The active involvement of patients in their hospital care
• A streamlined, secure and private flow of patient information
• The proper use and handling of data to continually improve the quality of care for stroke patients
• Increased awareness of stoke prevention and education throughout the community.

In addition, St. Mary’s has received the American Heart Association’s® Silver Stroke Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Reducing the Risk of Stroke

The best way to keep your brain healthy is to avoid a stroke in the first place. The best ways to reduce the chances of stroke are to do the following:

• Keep your blood pressure controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medications
• Don't smoke or stop smoking
• Take steps to manage your cholesterol
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Take medications as prescribed
• Keep blood sugar controlled