Neurological Services

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital offers advanced diagnostic, treatment, support and rehabilitation services for stroke patients.

Award-winning stroke care is also offered at FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital, MRH - Richmond and MRH - Hoke, all certified Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals by The Joint Commission.

A stroke occurs when a clot forms in a blood vessel, blocking blood flow to the brain; or, less commonly, when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and blood floods into the surrounding tissue.

The first kind, responsible for the majority of strokes, is called an ischemic stroke. The second kind is called a hemorrhagic stroke. Either way, without the oxygen carried by the blood, brain cells begin to die.

Fast treatment of a stroke is critical. If a stroke is caused by a clot that blocks the blood vessel, physicians can limit the effects of the stroke by dissolving the clot with a drug called tPA — if used within 4.5 hours after the stroke begins.

For this reason, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately after the onset of any stroke symptoms.

If a stroke is suspected, diagnostic tests will be performed to determine if there is bleeding in the brain and determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

Know the Symptoms of Stroke: BE FAST

Balance

Is there a sudden loss of balance or difficulty walking? 

Eyes

Is there sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes? 

Face

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arm

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can they repeat the sentence correctly?

Time

If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 9-1-1 immediately, brain cells are dying.