Stroke

Patients arriving in our ER with stroke symptoms are quickly evaluated and sent to imaging. Patients may undergo a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm their diagnosis. Once a stroke is identified and classified, treatment can begin.

There are two main types of stroke. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, it is called an ischemic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs if a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into or around the brain. Our doctors are trained to provide concentrated care for both types of stroke, to prevent and/or reverse stroke-related brain damage.

We also offer care for patients experiencing transient ischemic attacks (also known as mini strokes), which can be a warning sign for a future stroke.

Ischemic stroke treatment

Patients experiencing an ischemic stroke — the more common type of stroke — can be treated with a clot-dissolving drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) if they arrive at the ER within three to four and a half hours of stroke symptom onset. If a patient arrives outside of that time frame, a thrombectomy may be needed to open up the blocked blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic stroke treatment

Patients with a hemorrhagic stroke diagnosis may be taken to surgery to stop the bleeding in the brain and/or taken to our intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Sometimes, an endovascular coiling procedure may be performed to divert blood flow away from an aneurysm. Our surgeons also offer carotid endarterectomy to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with narrowed carotid arteries.

Patients coming to our hospital with stroke symptoms progress through a continuum of care, beginning with fast treatment in our ER, continuing with neurological care and ending with rehabilitation to manage the aftereffects of a stroke.

We also have a dedicated stroke unit where patients receive care from our specially trained nurses. Our nurses will also educate patients about what to expect with follow-up care, prevention for a future stroke and lifestyle modifications before hospital discharge.

Patients receiving stroke treatment are cared for by a multidisciplinary stroke team, which includes:

• Case managers
• Emergency medicine physicians
• Interventional neuroradiologists
• Laboratory technicians
• Neurologists
• Nurses
• Radiologists
• Rehabilitation specialists

Our stroke rehabilitation specialists focus on helping patients make a functional return to daily activities. All stroke patients are evaluated for indications of need for physical and speech therapies.

You just need to remember to BE FAST:

• (B)alance — Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
• (E)yes — Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
• (F)ace — Does the person's face look uneven? Does one side droop?
• (A)rms — Is one arm hanging down when both arms are held over the head?
• (S)peech — Is the person's speech slurred?
• (T)ime — If you recognize any of these symptoms, call 911 now. Time is critical.

Stroke prevention: know your risk

Being aware of stroke risk factors can help you take control of your health and reduce your future risk of stroke. Risk factors may include:

• Atrial fibrillation (a type of heart arrhythmia)
• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of stroke
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Physical inactivity and/or obesity
• Smoking