Stroke is the Number 4 cause of death, and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States.
Doylestown Hospital is designated as a Stroke Resource Center by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, and is also a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.
A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. When part of the brain does not get blood flow due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel, that part of the brain starts to die. A stroke is sometimes called a brain attack. Approximately 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
At Doylestown Hospital, a stroke alert system is in place to provide the most expedient stroke care.
HOW THE STROKE TEAM AT DOYLESTOWN HOSPITAL RESPONDS IN AN EMERGENCY:
-
When a call is made to 911, emergency personnel are trained to assess potential stroke. First responders notify the Doylestown Hospital Emergency Department of a suspected stroke victim and the acute stroke team is put on alert.
-
At the ER, the stroke team confirms whether the person is experiencing a stroke or another medical emergency. A brain scan checks for bleeding.
-
If a stroke is confirmed, and it has been 3 hours or less since the first symptoms appeared, the patient may be treated with a clot-busting drug called tPA. Strict criteria apply and not all stroke patients are eligible.
-
Different treatment is recommended if the patient is not eligible for tPA. Through a clinical partnership with Jefferson University Hospital, some stroke patients who could benefit from advanced neurosurgical interventions can be immediately transported via helicopter to Philadelphia for treatment.
-
If needed, the patient is admitted to in an inpatient unit with nurses specifically trained in stroke care.
-
Following a stroke, other hospital services may be recommended, including occupational, speech and physical therapies.
-
Social workers help the patient and family assess their needs after discharge.
-
Monthly support group meetings assist patients and families during recovery and beyond.
REMEMBER: STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY... TIME IS BRAIN!
For more information on Doylestown Hospital's Stroke Resource Center
please call Brooke Kearins, CRNP at: 215-345-2543 |
