Stroke Services
Timely, Expert Care for Stroke Patients
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, a person in the United States has a stroke, and strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability. At Episcopal Health Services, our stroke team offers comprehensive, premier stroke care, which has been recognized by the Joint Commission with its Gold Seal of Approval® as an Advanced Stroke Center and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Gold-Plus Get With the Guidelines® – Stroke Quality Achievement Award. These honors are given to hospitals that demonstrate commitment to delivering safe, high-quality patient care and evidence-based care that improves outcomes.
What Exactly is a Stroke?
A stroke is a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain. The consequences can be devastating, so our team knows how important it is to work swiftly and provide expert care 24/7 to minimize the impacts and improve patient outcomes. Our highly-skilled, multidisciplinary team is comprised of neurologists and rehabilitation specialists, who work together to provide a seamless continuum of care throughout acute treatment and outpatient rehabilitation.
Why EHS for Stroke Care?
Our team utilizes advanced treatment options to help prevent strokes, treat strokes and for ongoing care during a patient’s recovery after a stroke. These include:
- State-of-the-art testing and treatment techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and nerve testing to help find blood clots before a stroke occurs.
- Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) for strokes that have occurred within 3 hours of treatment.
- Thrombolysis: Using medications like Tenecteplase (TNK) to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain.
- Evaluation and Transfer for Mechanical Thrombectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to physically remove blood clots from the brain’s blood vessels.
- Ongoing care: post-stroke treatment plans include physical, occupational and speech-language therapies, specialized outpatient care, stroke prevention counseling and medication management.
BE FAST: Recognizing the Signs of Stroke
Acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes caused by a stroke. If you or someone you are with experiences any of the following symptoms, immediately call 911.
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, especially on one side
- Arms: Sudden numbness or weakness of the arms, especially on one side
- Speech: Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Time: Time to call 911 immediately
At EHS, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional care when you experience a stroke. Contact us today to learn more about our stroke services.
Stroke Care FAQs
What is a stroke?
A stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability or even death. Every minute counts during a stroke, as prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe damage and improve recovery.
What are the main types of stroke?
- Ischemic stroke — This is the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It is caused by a clot that blocks a brain artery.
- Hemorrhagic stroke — This is caused by a ruptured vessel that leaks blood into or around the brain.
- Transient Ischemic Attack — This is a temporary clot that produces “mini-stroke” symptoms lasting minutes to hours. It is a critical warning sign that a full stroke may occur soon and requires immediate medical attention.
How do I recognize a stroke?
When it comes to a stroke, B E F A S T! Any one of these sudden signs could indicate a stroke.
- Balance – Sudden loss of balance/coordination
- Eyes -Sudden vision change in one or both eyes
- Face – Uneven smile or drooping
- Arms – One arm drifts downward on lift
- Speech – Slurred or hard to understand words
- Time – Call 911 because every second counts
What should I do if I think I am having a stroke?
Call 911 right away. Time is brain! —do not drive yourself. For certain types of stroke, there are time-sensitive treatments, like clot-busting medications (TNK) or mechanical thrombectomy, thatare most effective when given within a few hours of symptom onset. Emergency medical services alert our stroke team en route so treatment can start the moment you arrive. Keep noteof the time symptoms began; this guides life-saving therapies.
Why is time so critical?
An estimated 1.9 million neurons die each minute a stroke goes untreated. Starting treatment quickly can reverse or limit damage, improving survival and reducing disability.
Am I at risk for stroke?
The risk of stroke rises with age, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, atrial fibrillation and family history. African-American and Caribbean communities experience higher stroke rates. Managing risk factors lowers your chances of experiencing a stroke.
How can I help prevent a stroke
- Control Blood Pressure (with a goal of less than 130/80)
- Stop smoking/vaping
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise 150 min/week
- Manage diabetes and cholesterol with diet, exercise and medications
What stroke treatments are available at Episcopal Health Services?
- IV clot-busting medication (thrombolytic): For eligible patients with ischemic stroke, thrombolytic medication can dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. Thismedication must be given within a specific timeframe after symptom onset.
- Advanced diagnostic imaging: We utilize cutting-edge imaging technologies like CT scans, CT angiography (CTA) and MRI to quickly and accurately diagnose the type and location of a stroke, available 24/7.
- Neurological expertise: We have neurologists available to provide timely assessment and guide treatment decisions.
- Mechanical thrombectomy via tertiary partner
- Dedicated stroke unit
- Early rehabilitation is crucial for stroke recovery. We offer specialized rehabilitation services
Does insurance cover stroke care and rehabilitation?
Most private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid cover emergency stroke and medically necessary rehabilitation services. Our financial counselors can help clarify your coverage and arrange assistance.
How can I learn more?
Email: strokeoutreach@ehs.org