Stroke

A stroke happens when a vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked or ruptures, depriving nerve cells of the oxygen they need to function. When these cells can't function, neither can the part of the body they control. Effects of strokes, including physical and emotional impairment, are often permanent because dead brain cells cannot be replaced.

Our Lady of the Lake has been named the first Primary Stroke Center in the Baton Rouge area.

The Joint Commission, in conjunction with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, recently recognized Our Lady of the Lake with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. This designation is the first of its kind in the Baton Rouge area and demonstrates excellent evidence-based quality care, patient safety and favorable outcomes for heart and stroke patients. The certification helps patients easily identify OLOL as one of quality that has surpassed numerous goals in the treatment of stroke.

When it comes to treating strokes, timing is everything.

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and getting immediate medical care can mean the difference between having a functional lifestyle and not being able to live independently. Our Lady of the Lake provides stroke treatments that can reduce the risk of damage from the most common types of stroke if you get help within three hours of your first symptoms. If you or a loved one experience warning signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately or get to the nearest emergency room.

If you would like to measure and better your risk for stroke and your heart health, check out the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association's "My Heart, My Life" program, which details risk factors for heart problems and stroke. Discover more about OLOL's initiative and get information on our walking paths.

Our Stroke Center is committed to your care.

Our Lady of the Lake has been recognized multiple times for its commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

The OLOL Stroke Center has also earned the Get with the Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award from The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

If you have a family history of stroke, it's important that you consult a doctor who specializes in heart care to determine your best plan of care for a healthy life. Find a neurologist today.