Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted because a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts open. The sudden death of some brain cells due to a lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is impaired by blockage (Ischemic) or rupture (Hemorrhagic) of an artery to the brain. Stroke is also called a Cerebrovascular Accident or CVA for short. Ischemic strokes are caused by the blockage of a blood vessel and Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) the Ischemic Stroke is the most common and accounts for about 87 percent of all strokes.
The most common symptoms of a stroke include:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
- Partial or complete loss of voluntary movement or sensation in a leg or arm.
- Speech problems.
- Weak face muscles, causing drooling.
- Numbness or tingling.
A stroke involving the base of the brain can affect balance, vision, swallowing, and breathing and even cause unconsciousness.
A stroke is a medical emergency. Anyone suspected of having a stroke should call 911. Calling 911 ensures immediate care and transfer to the most appropriate medical facility for diagnosis and treatment.
The AHA/ASA and the Joint Commission describe studies that illustrate better outcomes when strokes are approached as a systematic plan. Early use of anticoagulants to minimize blood clotting has value in some patients as does treatment of blood pressure that is too high/low And controlling primary diseases such as Diabetes.
Local Stroke Systems
Some local EMS agencies (LEMSAs) have developed Stroke Care Systems. The systems vary among LEMSAs. The AHA/ASA is conducting a detailed survey on Stroke system approaches. To date, the EMS Authority has identified the following LEMSAs as developing/implementing an approach to Stroke Care: Alameda, Coastal Valleys, Contra Costa, Inland Counties, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sierra Sacramento and Ventura EMS.
Save The Date - June 28, 2022 - California State Stroke Summit 2022
California State Stroke Summit 2022
June 28, 2022 – Virtual half-day Stroke Summit – Flyer (pdf)
Click here to register for the California State Stroke Summit 2022.
California State Stroke Summit 2021
On June 8, 2021, the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) held the first-ever California State Stroke Summit. The first run of this annual event focused on key topics of STEMI Systems of Care, Updates in STEMI Management, and the Future of STEMI Care, among other topics.
If you missed the Summit, or would like to revisit some of the talks given during the half-day event, you can view a video recording of the entire 2021 California State Stroke Summit here:
*Please note, CE/CME credits are not available to viewers who did not register for and attend the entire event on June 9, 2021.
Stroke Regulations
California statute mandates the EMS Authority to adopt necessary regulations to carry out the coordination and integration of all state activities concerning EMS (Health and Safety Code § 1797.107).
In addition, State statute allows the EMS Authority to establish guidelines for hospital facilities, in cooperation with affected medical organizations, according to critical care capabilities (Health and Safety Code § 1798.150).
As a result of these statutes, the EMS Authority established a multidisciplinary stroke taskforce for the development of Stroke System of Care Regulations for California.
The proposed rulemaking action adopting Stroke regulations (Chapter 7.2 of Division 9, Title 22, of the California Code of Regulations) was approved by the Office of Administrative Law on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, and took effect on July 1, 2019.
The Early Management of Adults with Acute Stroke
The EMS Authority staff participated in a Stroke Work Group co-convened by the American Heart & Stroke Association and the California Department of Public Health, Stroke & STEMI Prevention Program. The work group developed the Stroke guidelines titled “Recommendations for the Establishment of an Optimal System of Acute Stroke Care for Adults”, A Statewide Plan for California.