Services

Stroke Care

Life-saving care when every second counts

Banner Image

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death or long-term disability in the United States. When stroke symptoms begin, prompt treatment is essential to not only save your life but to preserve brain function. That’s why Adventist Health hospitals across Central California are prepared with award-winning stroke programs for administering rapid diagnosis, life-saving treatment, and advanced rehabilitation. From our highly trained emergency team to our compassionate rehabilitation therapists, you can rest assured knowing the best stroke care is just minutes away. 

Ensuring the best possible care 

Ensuring the best possible stroke care is a team effort between you and us. It begins with you knowing the warning signs of stroke and acting FAST. Learn more about what you should do and what we will do if you ever experience a stroke.  

Know the warning signs

Time is critical during a stroke. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance you have of reducing lasting effects. Use the acronym FAST to remember the following warning signs:  

F = Face drooping

A = Arm weakness

S = Speech difficulty

T = Time to call emergency services

Should you experience these symptoms, call 911 to be taken to the nearest emergency room.  

How we provide life-saving treatment

Our care begins in the ambulance where our EMTs assess your condition, check vital signs, and provide any necessary interventions such as administering oxygen.  

Once in our care, you will receive tests to determine the type and severity of your stroke and to guide the best course of treatment, which might include medication, surgery, or endovascular procedures. With 24/7 telemedicine capabilities, our emergency teams can connect with neurologists via webcams if needed, ensuring top-tier medical recommendations at all times.  

Should you require an interventional procedure, our surgeons are highly skilled at performing the latest procedures, including minimally invasive ones, to ensure the best outcomes.  

Following treatment, you will begin a tailored rehabilitation program designed to help you regain physical or cognitive functions that may have been impaired due to your stroke.  

Preventing stroke

The best way to prevent stroke is to see your primary care physician for annual checkups, where you’ll receive tests to assess your cardiovascular health. You should also avoid or quit any bad health habits such as smoking or poor nutrition, while maintaining regular exercise for better heart health and weight management. Your primary care physician can help you get the help you need to achieve these goals.  

Image
Education and Support

Identifying and preventing stroke 

Symptoms of stroke include weakness or numbness on one side of your body, a drooping face, sudden balance and/or vision problems, and slurred speech. Should you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately to be taken to our emergency room.  

Read blog

Awards and recognitions

Slide Image

Bakersfield, Hanford, and Tulare Earn Gold for Stroke Care

Adventist Health Bakersfield, Adventist Health Hanford, and Adventist Health Tulare each received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. This national recognition highlights the dedication of our hospital teams to provide patients with the most advanced, evidence-based stroke treatments that improve outcomes, reduce disability, and save lives.

Learn more

Slide Image

Going for the Gold Standard of Stroke Care 

At Adventist Health, our teams provide fast, life-saving treatment that has earned national recognition from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program.

Learn more

Baidu