Stroke Center
OU Medical Center has been awarded an Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers
Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
In 2006, OU Medical Center opened the first JCAHO certified Stroke Center in Oklahoma. This certification recognized OU Medical Center's commitment to providing outstanding care to patients and to our community between 2006-2012. Our continuing commitment to improving the lives of Oklahomans suffering from stroke culminated in OU Medical Center recently being recognized by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association as meeting heightened standards for Disease-Specific Care Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. This designation has been awarded to only an elite group of hospitals nationwide that are uniquely prepared to provide specialized and state-of-the-art care to patients requiring complex stroke care.
Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification recognizes those hospitals that are uniquely equipped to provide 24/7 care to critically ill stroke patients. It requires an array of well-prepared health care professionals to receive and treat patients with the most complex strokes from a multidisciplinary perspective, as well as unwavering commitments to stroke-focused continuing education, outcomes improving quality improvement initiatives, and research that informs and enhances care delivery. OU Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review in November, 2012. Joint Commission experts reviewed the hospital’s compliance with the Comprehensive Stroke Center standards and requirements including its approach to rapid treatment at the time patients thought to be suffering from a stroke arrive at the hospital; advanced imaging, interventional and neurosurgical capabilities, 24/7 availability of comprehensive and specialized care and treatment services and staff with the unique education and competencies to care for complex stroke patients.
.Learn more about OU Medicine's Neurology team.
View Our Stroke Outcomes Page.
What is Stroke?
Stroke, a cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain, is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so that part of the brain starts to die.
Immediate Action is Critical!
If you suspect your loved one is experiencng a stroke, call 911 and get to the Emergency Department immediately. When a stroke happens, it is very important to get medical care as fast as possible. Time is critical in reducing the affects of a stroke!
Warning Signs of Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or trouble understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Stroke Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- Family history of stroke
Download and print out our Stroke Fact sheet to keep with you, so you can spot the warnings signs of stroke:
Visit the Stroke Association web page for more information