Stroke Care
Physicians Regional Pine Ridge is the Only DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center in Collier County
Physicians Regional Pine Ridge is the first hospital that holds the distinction of DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification in Collier County. Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication. In a growing number of states, stroke center certification determines which facility a patient should be taken for the most appropriate, reimbursable care.
Physicians Regional Collier Blvd is a DNV Primary Stroke Center
The DNV Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or "brain attack" affects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.
Physicians Regional is Nationally Recognized for Its Commitment to Providing High-quality Stroke Care
Physicians Regional Healthcare System has received the American Heart Association's GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Learn more here.
What is tPA?
According to the American Stroke Association, the treatment for ischemic stroke is a clot removal. Patients generally receive tPA (a tissue plasminogen activator) to treat the stroke. Physicians administer this medication via an IV in the arm. The medication works to dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to the part of the brain that has the clot.
The mechanical treatment to remove the clot is called an endovascular procedure or a mechanical thrombectomy. Typically patients who meet the criteria have a large vessel occlusion (LVO). During a thrombectomy a physician uses a thread catheter to carry a stent through an artery in the groin up to the blocked artery in the brain. The stent then opens and grabs the clot. The clot is then captured and removed via the catheter in the groin. Special suction tubes can also help to remove the clot.
Not everyone qualifies for a thrombectomy. The procedure typically is done within six hours of stroke symptoms. This procedure usually includes tPA being administered first.
What is a Petechial Hemorrhage?
A petechial hemorrhage is when a patient presents with a small brain bleed.
The Primary Stroke Centers at Physicians Regional Healthcare System offer advanced care to patients that experience brain attacks. These patients require evidence-based treatment including:
- A 24/7 response team, available at all times to quickly evaluate and initiate treatment for the acute stroke patient
- The first 3T MRI in Southwest Florida, providing better results, faster
- 24-hour teleneurology coverage
- A dedicated, robust clinical team specializing in emergency, radiology, neurology, critical care, respiratory, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology
- A specialized neuro-intensive care unit available and designed with acute and step-down levels of care, with a clinical staff specializing in the treatment and care of patients that have experienced a stroke
- Post-discharge recovery including case management services, education, support groups and outreach for stroke awareness to staff, community, patients and their families.
This means Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge offers:
- 24/7 neuro-interventional radiology coverage
- 24/7 neuro-surgical coverage
- Mechanical thrombectomies, carotid stenting and aneurysm coilings
Physicians Regional - Collier Blvd. is a Primary Stroke Center. This includes:
- Rapid assessment in the emergency room
- Expedited CT scan
- Quick neurological consult
- Administration of clot busting drugs for patients who qualify
- Specialized training for staff
If this is an emergency or you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Our Services
When a patient comes to the hospital with stroke symptoms, it's crucial to make a proper diagnosis quickly in order to begin treatment — immediate treatment can help avoid or minimize the effects of stroke. The experienced stroke team at Physicians Regional Healthcare System strives to deliver life-saving care. We strive to provide:
- Speed – Treatments given during the first three hours after a stroke can greatly reduce or even reverse the effects of stroke, so stroke care professionals are ready to jump into action immediately.
- Knowledge – Doctors, nurses, emergency professionals and other specialists meet high educational standards, and are specially trained to identify stroke symptoms and administer the latest treatments.
- Technology – The stroke care team utilizes advanced testing and imaging technology, allowing them to identify the type of stroke within minutes so they are able to begin treatment. A 64-slice CT scanner provides the necessary speed and resolution required for rapid imaging of the brain and blood vessels, so doctors can begin treatment as quickly as possible.
A trained stroke care team delivers care for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Stroke care begins with diagnosis and continues with therapy, including timely infusion of intravenous clot dissolving medications to treat ischemic strokes.
Stroke care extends through recovery. Rehabilitation care is designed to help individuals regain their independence, and includes specialized services for stroke recovery. The multidisciplinary rehabilitation team provides caring, personalized assistance to help patients meet their goals.
The Team
Physicians Regional Healthcare System has a response team in place 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for diagnosis and treatment of the acute stroke patient. The team of specialists includes:
- EMS personnel
- Physicians: radiology, critical care, ARNPs and PAs
- ER RNs and team
- NSICU/ICU RNs
- Respiratory lab staff
- Rehab professionals: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Case management personnel
- A radiology team: CT, MRI, X-ray
- Specialists on call
- Board-certified stroke neurologists, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
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Physicians Regional Healthcare System has been awarded with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's 2023 Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus. Learn more about this here.