Stroke Care and Emergency Response – Timely Care When Seconds Count

When a stroke occurs, time is critical. If blood flow to the brain is disrupted by a clot or ruptured vessel, brain cells quickly begin to die. Immediate intervention can help minimize damage and prevent long-term disability or death. To help recognize the symptoms of a stroke, Riverside Healthcare encourages the use of the B-E-F-A-S-T acronym:

·        B (Balance): The person has a sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or is walking differently.

·        E (Eyes): The person experiences vision loss, blurry or double vision, or has trouble seeing.

·        F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Look for drooping or unevenness.

·        A (Arms): Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts down, it may be a sign of stroke.

·        S (Speech): Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Slurred or confused speech can indicate a stroke.

·        T (Time): If any of these symptoms are observed, act quickly and call 911.

It is essential to call for emergency medical assistance immediately in the case of a suspected stroke. The timely response—from dialing 911 to arriving at the emergency department—can be the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Riverside neurosurgeon Dr. Jehad Zakaria says, “Faster evaluation and intervention in the case of stroke significantly increases the chances of a good clinical outcome. It is better to be safe than sorry. Any patient or family member who recognizes symptoms of an acute stroke should immediately call 911.”

Time is of the Essence

First responders are trained to act quickly when a 911 call is made regarding a potential stroke. Emergency medical dispatchers gather crucial information, and first responders conduct assessments like the Cincinnati Stroke Scale to identify deficits. They also ask family members about the patient's baseline health and previous normal state, which can help inform treatment decisions.

Once the patient reaches the emergency department, they are fast-tracked for a CT scan to determine the type of stroke. This step is critical for determining the appropriate course of action. For hemorrhagic strokes, other interventions are used to manage the bleeding. For ischemic strokes, treatments like thrombolytics and thrombectomy may be used to remove or dissolve the clot. Riverside Medical Center is the only thrombectomy-capable hospital in the area.

Expanded Neurovascular Care at Riverside

Riverside Healthcare has expanded its neurovascular care for a variety of conditions, including arteriovenous malformations, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, cerebral hemorrhages, cerebrovascular disease, and transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes). Riverside is also the only thrombectomy-capable hospital in the area, offering advanced care for ischemic strokes, where blood clots block oxygen and blood flow to the brain. The ability to perform thrombectomies on-site at Riverside Healthcare means that patients no longer have to travel long distances for this critical care, which can make a significant difference in outcomes.

“Having to travel for advanced stroke care can put a strain on patients and their families,” said Dr. Zakaria. “I am grateful for Riverside investing in the technology needed to bring these services to our community because we can help many patients.”

Riverside Healthcare is proud to be a leader in stroke care, offering the area’s most complete stroke treatment services. In case of a suspected stroke, don’t delay—call 911 and request to be taken to Riverside Medical Center.