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Primary Stroke Center

AHA & Joint Commission logos

Parrish Healthcare’s Parrish Medical Center was Brevard's first hospital—and the third medical center in the state of Florida—to be certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission—the nation's leading healthcare accreditation organization. The center has also been awarded the Women's Choice Award as an America's Best Stroke Center.

Being treated at a certified Primary Stroke Center gives you the confidence of knowing that you are receiving expert care.

Telestroke, Teleneurology Program

As part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, our physicians and patients have access to Mayo Clinic's research, resources and expertise. Since 2010, Parrish Healthcare’s Parrish Medical Center has worked with Mayo Clinic's Comprehensive Stroke Center in Jacksonville to provide rapid assessment of potential stroke patients through the use of advanced telemedicine technology.

Hear From Our Patients: Don't Be Blind-Sided by Subtle Stroke

PMC’s Stroke Program includes:

  • A team of neurologists, cardiologists, radiologists, emergency medicine physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, first-responders (EMS/paramedics), case management, therapists (occupational, speech, respiratory and physical), and community educators.
  • A stroke unit. Stroke unit nurses (along with ICU and ER nurses) undergo extensive training to become certified in stroke assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. They have annual continuing education requirements.
  • PMC’s 24-bed Emergency Department, 12-bed critical care unit (ICU), and full-service rehabilitation center.
  • Advanced diagnostic technology, including telemedicine technology, ultra-speed CT and MRI, which provides doctors with accurate results in minutes.
  • Community education programs and screenings for stroke risk factors.

BALANCE Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

EYES Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?

FACE DROOPING Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

ARM WEAKNESS Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH DIFFICULTY Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TIME TO CALL 9-1-1

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately. DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF to the emergency room if you suspect you are having a stroke.

BEYOND BE FAST - OTHER SYMPTOMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

An individual experiencing any of these signs, or someone observing an individual dealing with one or more of these indicators, should call 911 immediately.