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Saint Barnabas Medical Center Offers Advice During Stroke Awareness Month Livingston, N.J. -- May is National Stroke Awareness Month and The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center reminds people that knowing the symptoms of stroke and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death, for you or someone you know. “Stroke symptoms may often be minimized and possibly reversed if treatment is delivered early, says Anna Khanna, M.D., Medical Director of The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “Studies have shown that clot-busting drugs delivered within the first three hours may be effective in limiting the debilitating effects of stroke, patients must recognize the warning signs and call 911 immediately.” According to the National Stroke Association and The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas, common signs of stroke include sudden:
Almost half of all stroke patients arrive at the emergency room by their own means. Dr. Khanna strongly advises against it. “If you or someone near you is exhibiting any sign of stroke, call 911. Transport by an ambulance is best for getting to the Emergency Room," she said. “Doing so allows emergency medical personnel the proper time to mobilize resources such as a CAT scan and the stroke team ahead of the patient’s arrival.” Dr. Khanna cautions that stroke does not discriminate, and although some people are at higher risk than others due to lifestyle and family history, anyone can have a stroke. Treatable risk factors include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart problems. People often wait to see if their symptoms will go away and unwittingly put themselves in greater danger. Symptoms that last for only a few minutes and then subside may indicate a transient ischemic attack or TIA. “A TIA or ‘mini-stroke’ is a serious medical event and requires treatment; it is also a potential warning sign of more dangerous stroke in the future. Seeking medical care during a TIA may help physicians prevent future stroke,” says Dr. Khanna. The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas has a specialized acute stroke team available around the clock comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that specializes in the rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. Team members include attending neurologists, attending physiatrist (a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation), advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. For more information or to reach The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas, please call (973) 322-9742 or visit www.saintbarnabas.com. If you think you or a person with you is having a stroke DON’T WAIT, call 911 immediately. Date: April 26, 2007
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