South Carolina's First Certified Stroke Center
Spartanburg Regional is committed to continuous excellence in stroke care because South Carolina is considered a part of the “Stroke Belt,” which has a much higher incidence of stroke-related deaths. The “Stroke Belt” includes the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Our program at Spartanburg Regional incorporates technology from diagnosis to treatment to reduce the lasting aftereffects of stroke.
Advances in stroke treatment are most effective when patients are seen within the first three hours after symptoms develop. Symptoms can range from sudden one-sided weakness, numbness or paralysis, trouble seeing, problems speaking or understanding, dizziness or loss of balance, or even severe headache with no apparent cause. From the moment 911 is called, Spartanburg Regional's certified primary stroke center comes to action to save lives. Paramedics provide rapid on-the-scene assessment, emergent transfer and notification of symptoms on the way to the hospital. Upon arrival, Spartanburg Regional's Code Stroke Team assembles to determine the appropriate care that will be provided in the Emergency Center. They also provide care for those who develop stroke symptoms while already a patient in the hospital.
Spartanburg Regional was awarded accreditation for its quality-driven stroke care program from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), an independent, recognized accreditation authority, which is a part of CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). The certification is based on evidenced-based, nationally established standards. Spartanburg Regional was also the first certified Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center in South Carolina in 2005.
A designated stroke unit is provided for patients admitted with a stroke. Stroke care is a group effort that is supported by many departments within Spartanburg Regional, including neurology, neurosurgery, emergency, neuroradiology, vascular, cardiology, chaplain services, case management and rehabilitation services. These departments assist in providing patients with care aimed toward recovery. Neurological intensive care is also available as required for patients after surgery or who need additional care.
The rehabilitation team including Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology begins customized therapy within 24 hours after receipt of the physician’s referral. Following discharge, the patient may be seen by Spartanburg Regional Home Health services at Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care or as an outpatient to continue therapy to meet the maximum level of independence and recovery. Outpatient stroke rehabilitation is offered on-site and at the Floyd Road location. For more information about available rehabilitation services, call 864-560-6480.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 at the first signs or symptoms of stroke.
Stroke Signs and Symptoms may include:
- Sudden one-sided weakness, numbness or paralysis
- Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion, problems speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination – especially with other signs
Stroke Risk Factors that may be modified include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol Diabetes
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol use