Stroke center in South Tampa

At Memorial Hospital of Tampa, our emergency physicians are available 24/7 to provide lifesaving stroke care. The stroke team in our emergency room (ER) is highly trained in treating incoming patients exhibiting stroke symptoms. Additionally, our full range of hospital services are available to help patients recover. For all these reasons, we have been recognized as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.

If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. To learn more about stroke care at our hospital, please call our Consult-A-Nurse® team at (855) 245-8329 .

Access to full-service hospital care

When diagnosing a stroke, imaging services are crucial to visualize the brain and any blockages. Our hospital is equipped with advanced imaging technology that allows us to swiftly and accurately diagnose a stroke. After, many patients require an inpatient hospital stay for the beginning of their recovery process. Our intensive care unit (ICU) offers highly-monitored care for patients requiring additional supervision and support following a stroke.

Types of stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires fast treatment to restore proper blood flow and prevent damage to the brain. There are two types of stroke and each has a different cause. The first type, an ischemic stroke, is caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. The blockage deprives the brain of vital blood and oxygen. The second type, a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by bleeding into the brain, often caused by a weakened blood vessel or aneurysm. The bleeding puts additional pressure on the brain, causing damage.

The physicians in the ER at Memorial Hospital of Tampa are experts in identifying the type of stroke a patient is experiencing and administering the proper treatment. When an ischemic stroke is diagnosed, the primary goal in treatment is to open up the blockage through clot-busting medication or a minimally invasive procedure, if needed. Alternatively, the goal in treating patients with a hemorrhagic stroke is to relieve the excess pressure being put on the brain by the bleeding from an artery or aneurysm. In severe cases of a hemorrhagic stroke, surgical procedures, such as aneurysm coiling, may be needed.

Common signs of a stroke

We encourage everyone to educate themselves on the common symptoms associated with a stroke. This information can help save your life or the life of someone you love. Remember, if you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke, do not wait, call 911 immediately.

The symptoms of stroke include:

  • Sudden numbness, tingling or weakness in the face, arms or legs—especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden, unexplained confusion or trouble speaking
  • Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
  • Trouble walking or keeping your balance
  • Unexplained dizziness or lack of coordination

Stroke rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often part of the care process following a stroke. This is because a stroke may cause damage to the brain that can result in patients having difficulty with coordination, motor function and speech. We have physical, occupational and speech therapists on-site to aid patients in their recovery from a stroke and help them regain their highest level of function.