May is National Stroke Month a time to raise awareness of the devastating effects of stroke. While it is true that 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and keeping blood pressure under control, it is still important that everyone learn to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

When an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked through a narrowing or blood clot, then an Ischemic stroke occurs.

Common stroke symptoms patients experience includes:

• Vision problems, such as blindness in one eye or double vision
• Weakness in limbs, may be on one or both sides
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Drooping of face on one side

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms it should prompt you to realize that you may be having a stroke. Once symptoms start it is crucial to get treatment as quickly as possible to make it less likely that any damage becomes permanent. Call 911 and get to the nearest emergency department.

McLeod Health received certification affirming their hospitals are equipped to provide care to patients with acute stroke symptoms who seek life-saving treatment from the emergency department. The certification granted by DNV GL Healthcare, designates McLeod Health as Acute Stroke Ready.

McLeod Health had the first hospitals in the state of South Carolina to become Acute Stroke Ready by DNV. The hospitals who achieved Acute Stroke Ready designation are: McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris and McLeod Health Seacoast.

McLeod Regional Medical Center is certified as a Primary Stroke Center from DNV GL Healthcare. McLeod became the first hospital in the region to become a certified Primary Stroke Center in 2014. DNV is a certification body that helps hospitals achieve excellence by improving quality and safety through hospital accreditation.

Most recently, McLeod Regional Medical Center was honored as 5-Star rated for Stroke Treatment outcomes for 2021, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. McLeod is also the recipient of 5-Star in Treatment of Stroke for nine consecutive years (2013 – 2021).