Primary Stroke Center
 Carle Foundation Hospital is a Primary Stroke Center. This designation means we follow the highest national standards of safety and care — proven to achieve faster treatment times and better outcomes.
Based in a Level I Trauma Center, the Carle Primary Stroke Center has a team of neurointerventional specialists available 24/7. Our neurointerventional team can provide advanced treatments for stroke patients beyond the traditional three-hour treatment window. Because when it comes to a stroke, every minute counts.
Stroke Education
As a Primary Stroke Center, Carle is taking a proactive role in providing stroke education to the public. Carle is confident an aggressive stroke education program can change community awareness and response.
Treatment is most effective within the first three hours of the time stroke symptoms arise. If you spot any of the warning signs of stroke, don’t delay and call 911 immediately.
Signs of Stroke
 The more someone knows, the more likely they are to get timely help. Knowing the five signs of stroke can help save a life. To spot the stroke warning signs, think “Give Me Five”:
Walk: Is balance off?
Talk: Is speech slurred or face droopy?
Reach: Is one side weak or numb?
See: Is vision all or partly lost?
Feel: Is headache severe?
Risk Factors for Stroke
According to the American Stroke Association some stroke risk factors are hereditary, some are a function of natural processes and others are a result of a person’s lifestyle.
Risk factors for stroke include:
- Age (55+)
- Heredity and race
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Prior stroke, TIA or heart attack
- High cholesterol
- Carotid artery disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease
- Substance abuse
- Certain blood disorders
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of stroke, including:
- Getting plenty of exercise
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Avoiding illegal drug use – especially cocaine
- Avoiding excessive alcohol intake
- Don’t smoke
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Having blood pressure checked to make sure it is controlled
- Having regular medical check-ups
- Trying to decrease stress in your life
What to Expect at the Emergency Department
- Expect that things will move quickly! Staff will work fast in order to save as many brain cells as possible.
- CT scan –a quick scan of your brain to see what is causing the symptoms.
- Blood work –to ensure nothing else is causing your symptoms.
- Lots of questions. It is the best way for staff to find out exactly what is happening.
- Other tests – such as a simple test to make sure swallowing occurs without difficulty.
The consequences of wasted time can be a sobering reality for those living in rural areas. To offer these patients the benefits of a Primary Stroke Center from the moment they call 911, Carle partners with hospitals across the region to align processes with best-practices and facilitate referrals to Carle when needed.
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