Strokes - an interruption in the delivery of blood to the brain - are the leading cause of serious disability and the third leading cause of death in the U.S. However, half of all strokes can be prevented by managing risk factors, according to the American Stroke Association.

Morton Plant Mease hospitals are Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers that combine a team of neurovascular specialists with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to help diagnose and treat stroke victims. The team also works with patients and their families to prevent or reduce the risk of future strokes.

For more information about our Stroke Clinic, please call (727) 461-8635.

What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when a vessel that delivers blood to the brain is blocked or an aneurysm (balloon-like pouch on the blood vessel wall) ruptures. Brain cells that are deprived of blood may die and long-term disability or death may occur.

What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. It can form when the pressure of blood passing through part of a weakened artery forces the vessel to bulge outward. If the bulging stretches the artery too far, it may burst, causing a person to bleed to death. An aneurysm that bleeds into the brain can lead to stroke or death.