Services
Stroke Care
Life-saving care when every second counts
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: BE 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 BE FAST to remember the following warning signs:
B = Balance issues
E = Eyes blur/vision changes
F = Face drooping
A = Arm/leg weakness
S = Speech difficulty (understanding or speaking)
T = Time to call 911
Should you experience these symptoms, call 911 to be taken to the nearest emergency room.
How we provide life-saving treatment
Care begins in the ambulance where 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.
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.
Awards and Recognitions
Recognized for excellence in stroke care
All six of the Adventist Health hospitals in Central California that report to the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program have earned national recognition for their commitment to delivering the latest evidence-based heart and stroke care. This achievement reflects our teams’ dedication to helping patients achieve better outcomes and healthier lives.
Our locations
Hospital
Adventist Health Tulare Medical Center
869 North Cherry Street
Tulare, CA 93274
Hospital
Adventist Health Hanford Medical Center
115 Mall Drive
Hanford, CA 93230
Hospital
Adventist Health Bakersfield Medical Center
2615 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Hospital
Adventist Health Specialty Bakersfield Medical Center
3001 Sillect Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hospital
Adventist Health Delano Medical Center
1401 Garces Highway
Delano, CA 93215
Hospital
Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Medical Center
1100 Magellan Drive
Tehachapi, California 93561
Hospital
Adventist Health Reedley Medical Center
372 West Cypress Avenue
Reedley, CA 93654
Hospital
Adventist Health Selma Medical Center
1141 Rose Avenue
Selma, California 93662