Every moment a stroke isn’t being treated, brain function is being lost. Call 911 immediately if you notice any or all of the following symptoms:
Drooping or numbness in one side of the face
Weakness and/or numbness in one arm
Slurred speech or speaking that is difficult to understand
Dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
Sudden loss of balance and/or coordination
Difficulty with motor function (i.e. walking, lifting objects, etc)
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. By calling 911, emergency response experts, specially trained to recognize stroke victims will immediately begin the process of stroke evaluation, which helps prevent disability.
A Dedicated Stroke Care Team
Our stroke team has received a certificate of distinction by the American Stroke Association for Outstanding Achievement in Stroke Care and is certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. The Joint Commission also awarded Grand View its Gold Seal of Approval™. These distinctions were earned through our comprehensive approach to stroke care, which includes:
Emergency Response Experts Staff members skilled at spotting and evaluating stroke victims.
Emergency Department-Based Stroke Team
Physicians and nurses specially trained in diagnosing, treating and managing stroke.
Cardiologists
Physicians specially trained to detect stroke risk and secondary stroke prevention management.
Hospitalists
Physicians, in coordination with the stroke team, supervise inpatient care and are available in the hospital 24 hours a day.
Neurologists Physicians specially-trained in the identification and treatment of stroke.
Stroke Program Coordinator A registered nurse who oversees the standards of care for acute stroke patients. This coordinator also assists in providing education to the Stroke Program nursing staff as well as to you, your family, and community members.
Nursing Staff Registered nurses skilled in monitoring, treating, and managing stroke.
Diagnosis
Grand View Health uses a Stroke Alert process for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke. By calling 911, specially trained EMS teams allow for early testing, evaluation and treatment by stroke trained emergency physicians and neurologists with 24-hour availability.
Diagnostic tests include:
Lab Testing
CAT Scan: used for initial evaluation of the brain
MRI/MRA (Magnetic resonance imaging/angiogram): gives a more detailed image of the brain tissue and brain vessels to look for stroke or blockages
CTA (Computed tomography angiogram): evaluates the brain and neck blood vessels to further evaluate blockages
CT Perfusion: helps to evaluate brain tissue at risk
Telemedicine Services
Treatment
Clot-Busting Thrombolytic Therapy (t-PA) This therapy utilizes a drug that dissolves blockages in the brain within three hours after the start of a stroke. However, t-PA is not advised if your stroke symptoms began more than three hours prior to arriving at the hospital. Not all stroke patients are eligible for t-PA; strict recommendations apply. After being enrolled in the stroke program, a comprehensive evaluation begins to identify source of stroke and identifying stroke risk and a plan for secondary prevention.
Stroke Rehabilitation Services
Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, and swallowing therapy. Stroke therapies available in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy staff trained to evaluate and begin stroke treatment during your hospital stay.
Follow-Up Care
Individualized plan for follow up can may include:
Case Management, Social Services & Home Health Care
Professionals assigned to you to assist you and your family with discharge needs.
A Carefully Planned Stroke Recovery Strategy A stroke recovery plan that starts at your admission, Grand View’s Stroke Program team helps you and your family understand your stroke recovery plan. We watch you closely for changes, so we can spot risk factors and help prevent further problems.
Home Care and Case Management
Outpatient PM&R Department Services
Inpatient Rehab
Grand View Health’s Acute Inpatient Rehab unit offers a intense physical rehab program offering a dedicated stroke trained physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist, along with 24 hr care by registered nurses.
Grand View Health’s stroke program coordinator oversees the entire program, facilitating the most advanced stroke care delivery. For further questions please call the stroke program coordinator at 215-453-4314.
