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Stroke Services

covenant health emergency department sign
covenant health emergency stroke center

What is a Stroke?

Methodist Medical Center has received advanced certification from The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. This means that our physicians and staff are specially trained to care for patients experiencing stroke symptoms, and that our facility has 24/7 stroke care coverage.

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted by a blocked or broken blood vessel. When a stroke occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate area. When the brain cells die, they release chemicals that set off a chain reaction that endangers brain cells in a larger surrounding area of brain tissue. Without prompt medical treatment, this larger area will also die. When brain cells die, the abilities that area of the brain controls are lost or impaired. The degree of recovery depends on the amount of brain cell death.

There are several steps you can take to prevent stroke. The first is to know your risk for having a stroke. A stroke assessment will help you identify steps you may need to take to lower your risk level. There are also several prevention guidelines to help you guard against the possibility of stroke.

 

 

If You Think You are Experiencing Symptoms of Stroke – Seek Medical Attention Immediately!

Only 21% of patients with acute stroke arrived at the emergency department within 2 hours of symptom onset.  Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Symptoms – B.E.F.A.S.T.

Here is a simple test to look for symptoms. Don’t forget time is important!

Call 9-1-1

Balance
Eyes
Face
Arms
Speech
Time

Methodist Medical Center Stroke Resources

Hospital

Methodist Medical Center

Hours
  • Hospital
  • Laboratory
  • Emergency Room

A not-for-profit, community-owned healthcare system

We are committed to improving the quality of life in East Tennessee through better health. In partnership with our generous donors, Covenant’s 10,000+ employees, physicians, and volunteers are providing outstanding care for our patients and their families.