Stroke Care
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.
Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can mean the difference between living with a permanent disability or complete recovery. Call 911 if you think you or a loved one are having a stroke. Another option is to go to your hospital's Emergency Department. Emergency services are available at North Mississippi Medical Center hospitals in Amory, Eupora, Iuka, Pontotoc, Tupelo and West Point, Miss., and Hamilton, Ala.
The best way to prevent a stroke is to control your risk factors by increasing physical activity, preventing obesity, maintaining a healthy blood pressure and eliminating tobacco smoke exposure.
You can reduce your risk of stroke. Begin by becoming aware of your risk factors—the personal characteristics and habits that may increase your chances of having a stroke. Some risk factors you cannot change or control, but some you can. By making a few changes in your daily habits or taking medication as prescribed, you can reduce your risk of stroke.
Acute Stroke Unit
North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo's Acute Stroke Unit is a 28-bed unit located on 5 West. The unit provides specialized care to patients who have suffered a stroke or transient ischemic attack (sometimes referred to as "mini-stroke"). The unit functions under the supervision of a nurse manager and utilizes a team approach to patient care. The RN is the primary care provider and works closely with other team members to provide quality patient care.
Family members may stay with a patient on the Acute Stroke Unit. However, to keep the noise level at a minimum, the number of visitors in the room should be limited to two at a time and no children under age 14 are allowed on the unit. To check on a family member, call the nurses' station at (662) 377-6509 or (662) 377-6510, or call the patient's room before 9 p.m.
Primary Stroke Center
NMMC-Tupelo is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare USA Inc., affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. This certification signals that NMMC-Tupelo has the right equipment, personnel and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. DNV Primary Stroke Center certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association.
Stroke Gold Plus Award
NMMC received the Get with the Guidelines®—Stroke Gold Plus, Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Get with the Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. NMMC earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.
