Norman Regional Health System

The first hours after a stroke or brain attack are critical for restoring the blood flow to the parts of the brain affected by the stroke. This could be done by dissolving the clot or by removing the clot. Based on symptoms, the blockage location and other diagnostic testing, the physicians will determine the most appropriate method of care. Time is brain, therefore the rapid evaluation of every stroke victim is crucial for a good outcome.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S. Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. will have a stroke. Women face a higher risk of stroke, with one in five women will have a stroke. Nearly 50% of men have high blood pressure, which could increase their risk of stroke. 

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke. An easy way to remember the signs of stroke and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke is BEFAST.

Balance: Sudden loss of balance (dizziness/not able to walk straight).
Eyes: Sudden vision changes (double vision or loss of vision in one eye).
FaceIs one side of the person's face drooping?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Is the person's speech slurred or strange?
Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

Remember, every second counts in a stroke. Call 911 immediately. 

Stroke conditions treated 

At Norman Regional's Stroke Center, we treat all types of stroke with a multidisciplinary approach. Two of the main types of strokes are:

Ischemic stroke – Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when a blood clot or other substance such as plaque, a fatty material, blocks the blood flow in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients and brain cells may begin to die within minutes.

Hemorrhagic stroke – Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. This can result from a number of conditions including uncontrolled high blood pressure and weak spots in your blood vessels.

Stroke treatments

From the time you or a loved one calls 911 about a stroke, Norman Regional's Stroke Center is ready to treat your stroke in a timely manner because we know every second counts after having a stroke. Starting with the ambulance ride, EMSSTAT alerts the hospital of your expectant arrival. From there, the Emergency Department and Stroke Center staff await your arrival so they can seamlessly continue your treatment from the ambulance ride through each process in the necessary treatment plan of a stroke patient.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to best care for the stroke patient and ensure the best possible outcome.

Risk factors for stroke:

You can control and improve these risk factors either with lifestyle change or prescribed treatment:

  • High blood pressure - Leading cause of stroke and the most significant controllable risk factor for stroke. The successful treatment of hypertension contributes to the current decline in stroke-related deaths.
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Other heart disease: coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Alcohol and drug abuse

These risk factors are not within your control, but knowing them may motivate you to work harder on those that you can change:

  • Age: the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years after age 55
  • Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack
  • Family history of stroke
  • African American, Native American and Hispanics have a higher risk of stroke due partly to the higher prevalence of high blood pressure and diabetes
  • Women have more strokes and are more likely to die from a stroke than men
  • Geographic location: strokes are more common in the southeastern US. Oklahoma is one of the so-called “ stroke belt” states

Signs and symptoms:

  • Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of your face, arm or leg, usually on one side of your body
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision
  • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination
  • A sudden, severe headache or an unusual headache, which may be accompanied by a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between the eyes, vomiting or altered consciousness
  • Confusion, problems with memory, spatial orientation or perception

If you or someone you are with experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately by calling 911.

Stroke Center near you

Norman Regional Health System is a stroke center of excellence, earning the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers since 2008. The Gold Seal of Approval is a clear sign that Norman Regional is compliant with the most stringent standards of performance. Norman Regional’s Stroke Center has also been awarded the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, the Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite award and the Target: Type 2 Diabetes award, as well as the Women’s Choice Award for one of America’s Best Stroke Centers in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021.

Stroke is the nation’s fifth leading cause of death in the US, a leading cause of long-term disability and the leading preventable cause of disability. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of a stroke. Nearly 800,000 people in the US have a stroke every year; with about three in four being first-time strokes. With urgent and competent care from the providers at Norman Regional, people can survive and improve their chances of living healthy and happy lives.

Our team at the stroke center offers a multidisciplinary approach starting with acute treatment in the emergency department, continuing with advanced care in our dedicated stroke care unit and often followed by post-stroke rehabilitation therapy in our comprehensive rehabilitation center. We have highly trained physicians in Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Neurology, Critical Care, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Hospital Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation that work together to ensure the best outcome for every stroke patient.

Mission:

To provide multidisciplinary stroke care to all persons in our region and regions to the south; including prevention, treatment and rehabilitation with a commitment to excellence, integrity and compassion.

Vision:

Nationally recognized as a leader in stroke outcomes and rehabilitation. Most trusted resource for the outlying communities in our region for stroke education, innovation and evidence-based care and rehabilitation.

All the care [she] received from entering the ER to the great floor nurses couldn’t have been more professional and caring! Loved our nurses!!