Located at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, the Stroke Center specializes in comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with stroke symptoms. Our dedicated professionals are highly skilled and dedicated to improving the care and ultimate outcome for stroke patients through a rapid triage response, evidence-based treatment approaches, patient/family support and ongoing stroke education. Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center offers stroke treatment and rehabilitation services throughout the week, and we provide flexible hours to meet your needs.
Recognized for Excellence in Stroke Care
After undergoing an on-site evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for certification as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. We are now highlighted on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Stroke Center Near You” website, signifying that Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is providing “next generation stroke care.”
This certification means Ochsner Lafayette General has the ability to provide effective, timely care to stroke victims and can significantly improve outcomes. In fact, from October 2018 to April 2019, 69 percent of eligible patients who received an emergency neuro-interventional stroke procedure showed improvement in their stroke symptoms.
The Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements and guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program—the nation’s first—in 2003. A list of programs certified by The Joint Commission is available at http://www.qualitycheck.org/.
Our Stroke Rehabilitation Program
Backed by a team of critical care specialists, Ochsner Lafayette General continues to work diligently to ensure that stroke protocols meet national benchmarks for best practices.
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center's Stroke Program offers the full continuum of care from the Emergency Department all the way to rehabilitation at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Unit. The stroke rehabilitation unit achieved the Joint Commission’s Disease Specific Certification as a Stroke Rehab Unit in 2015. In addition, Acadiana Stroke Support Group meets in the Second Floor Classroom, Suite 2500, at Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital's Medical Office Building at 3 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
If you, or someone you are with, has one or more of the following stroke symptoms that lasts more than a few minutes, don’t delay! Immediately call 9-1-1. DO NOT drive yourself. DO check the time when the first warning sign or symptom began. You or the person who is with you will be asked this important question later.
Key Symptoms:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Rehabilitation Starts Here
After a stroke, it may seem that no one understands what you’re going through. You may feel isolated and adrift. The Acadiana Stroke Support Group is here to help. We are a support system for survivors and families, to provide that “life raft” of hope and understanding on the road to recovery. Register online today or for more information, call (337) 289-7740.
Learn more about stroke care and recovery
