Award-winning Comprehensive Stroke Center in Richmond
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability, according to the National Stroke Association. Yet, research shows that too few people know what a stroke is and how to
Award-winning Comprehensive Stroke Center in Richmond
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability, according to the National Stroke Association. Yet, research shows that too few people know what a stroke is and how to recognize symptoms of a stroke.
Signs of a stroke
If you suspect a stroke, remember to act F.A.S.T. to identify stroke symptoms:
- 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 phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time: If you observe any of these stroke warning signs, call 911 immediately.
If you believe someone is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.
When someone experiences a stroke, trust the neurological care experts at Johnston-Willis Hospital. We were the first non-academic community hospital and the second in Virginia to achieve the Comprehensive Stroke Certification by DNV-GL Healthcare, the highest level of competence possible for stroke care.
Additionally, the Joint Commission awarded Johnston-Willis with a Gold Seal Certificate of Distinction for Stroke Rehabilitation, and we were a Five-Star Recipient of Stroke Treatment two years in a row (2016-2017), as awarded by Healthgrades™.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. Brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. A stroke can cause you to permanently loose speech, movement and memory.
There are two main types of stroke:
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes are the least common type of stroke. Only 15 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic, but they are responsible for about 40 percent of all stroke deaths. A hemorrhagic stroke is either a brain aneurysm burst or 