Rapid stroke care saves patient’s vision in Pensacola

While on her way to a primary care appointment, Trina noticed her left eye suddenly becoming blurry. A growing blind spot made it difficult to see, and she immediately knew something wasn’t right. Trusting her instincts, she contacted her doctor’s office, where a nurse urged her to go straight to the emergency room.

At the Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Emergency Room in Miramar Beach, Florida, Trina was immediately placed on stroke protocol. She quickly received a clot-busting medication and was life-flighted from Destin to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola for advanced care.

There, vascular and interventional radiologist Nathan Kohler, MD, PhD, identified her symptoms as a retinal artery occlusion, a rare, vision-threatening stroke that requires immediate, specialized care.

“Conditions like this need expert attention and rapid action,” Dr. Kohler explained. “In my field, we combine advanced imaging and precise procedures to restore blood flow when each minute counts.”

Dr. Kohler’s expertise is unique; as a vascular and interventional radiologist, he is specially trained to perform image-guided procedures that can’t be done by many doctors. His advanced skills meant Trina received life-saving care in the critical window when every second mattered.

Following the procedure, Trina spent two and a half days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where the care exceeded her expectations.

“The ICU staff was amazing,” Trina shared. “Dr. Kohler checked on me regularly, and every time he came in, I felt more at ease. I truly felt cared for.”

The stroke was completely unexpected. While Trina had a history of high cholesterol and a heart attack a decade ago, she never imagined something like this would affect her vision.

Today, Trina continues her recovery with coordinated follow-up care. She focuses on rest and celebrates small milestones, like cooking a meal for her family.

As a grandmother, business owner, traveler and cat lover, Trina is grateful to be moving forward.

“I’m beyond thankful for Dr. Kohler and the entire Ascension [Sacred Heart] care team,” she said. “From the emergency room to the ICU, everyone was incredible. I want others to know they’re in good hands.”

Ascension Sacred Heart has the region’s only neuroscience ICU and is recognized as a DNV-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center. As part of a regional system of care, our multidisciplinary stroke team provides 24/7 coverage across Northwest Florida, including at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast.

Your neurologists and neurosurgeons work alongside a highly coordinated team of brain and spine specialists, collaborating across our integrated national network to share best practices, knowledge and research — bringing advanced stroke care close to home.

Learn more about Dr. Nathan J. Kohler, MD, PhD, and his specialized stroke care.

What should you do if you or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms?

If you suspect a stroke, call 911 immediately and ask to be taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola or the nearest appropriate stroke center within our regional system of care. Do not drive yourself or wait to see if symptoms improve. Emergency medical services can begin life-saving care right away and ensure rapid transport for time-sensitive treatment.

Remember the B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance

E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss or changes

F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?

A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?

S – Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand?

T – Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Other symptoms may include sudden confusion, trouble seeing, severe headache, dizziness or loss of balance. Time-sensitive treatments are most effective when delivered quickly, and access to a Comprehensive Stroke Center like Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola — supported by coordinated care at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast — can make a critical difference in outcomes.

Ascension Sacred Heart remains committed to advancing stroke care, improving outcomes and serving as a trusted regional leader for Northwest Florida. We are also the only hospital in Northwest Florida to offer RN Stroke Navigators to support patients throughout recovery. Learn more about Ascension Sacred Heart’s Comprehensive Stroke Center.

If you or a loved one is experiencing warning signs of a stroke such as numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, dizziness or loss of balance, every second counts. It's important to call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room right away.