Frankfort Regional Medical Center

A Dramatic Turnaround The Importance of Acting FAST As it works toward receiving accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, Frankfort Regional Medical Center has developed protocols to provide quick, brain-saving treatment. Ted Sizemore was enjoying the afternoon with his longtime girlfriend Susan when he began to experience a sudden, strange sensation. "I had a funny feeling in my head and my right arm," Ted says. "My hand went numb and wouldn't move. My face was drooping, and I was scared because I couldn't say anything." Aware that time was of the essence, Susan drove Ted to the emergency room (ER) at Frankfort Regional, where stroke experts launched into a protocol that would save his ability to function. A CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION "When Ted arrived at the ER, we engaged the stroke- alert process, a protocol we follow when we have any suspicion of stroke-like symptoms," says Danny Rose Jr., MD, neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Frankfort Regional. "I heard a page come through the overhead speakers. When a stroke  For more information about stroke care at Frankfort Regional, visit FrankfortRegional.com/ service/stroke-care. When it comes to stroke, acting quickly can help preserve tissue in the brain. If you notice: • Face drooping • Arm weakness • Slurred speech Remember that: • Time is of the essence. Call 911 immediately. alert sounds, I drop whatever I am doing and evaluate the patient as soon as possible. With stroke, all of our treatments are time sensitive. Every second is important." Frankfort Regional staff members conducted a computed tomography scan of Ted's brain and then quickly moved him to his room, where he was examined at the bedside by Dr. Rose. It was quickly determined that Ted was having an acute ischemic stroke. After reviewing the scans and consulting with the Pharmacy Department, Dr. Rose concluded Ted would be eligible to receive Activase®, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved treatment that dissolves clots and improves blood flow to the brain. The American Heart and Stroke Association recommends the use of Activase in selected patients up to four-and-a-half hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. Ted, who had previously suffered a heart attack and received care from Frankfort Regional, trusted the expertise of the staff and opted for the treatment. The Frankfort team began to infuse the Activase intravenously, and within 30 minutes Dr. Rose could already see a dramatic difference. "When I first spoke with Ted, he could understand language but could not speak fluently," Dr. Rose says. "When I went back to check on him, his language had become more clear and he was putting words together. His response is one of the reasons I am drawn to stroke care. We can see a dramatic turnaround in a short period of time, which is very rewarding." Following the Activase, Ted, a former member of the United States Air Force, was transferred to the Lexington VA Medical Center for follow-up care. After a week, he could once again do crossword puzzles, and now he feels much stronger. "Frankfort Regional did a fantastic job," Ted says. "I'm feeling great." Danny Rose Jr., MD Neurologist Search "K5zaBXXprgs" to watch Dr. Rose discuss neurological issues related to stroke patients. 7

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