CentraState - Healthy Directions

Stroke Alert System Saves Lives [PHOTO] Elizabeth Woodward credits fast diagnosis and treatment from CentraState's Primary Stroke Center for her recovery from stroke. Out of the blue. That's how 56-year-old Elizabeth Woodward of Brick describes how her stroke came on. "I was feeling fine, and all of a sudden my left side started going numb," Elizabeth says. Fortunately for Elizabeth, who is now recovering from her January stroke, she was quickly treated at CentraState Medical Center's Primary Stroke Center. First certified in 2009, the center was recently recertified by The Joint Commission. The recertification means the CentraState stroke program has met established criteria from The Joint Commission. The center is also certified by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services as a Primary Stroke Center. "It's a hospital-wide cooperation—a shining example of everyone working as a team," says Lisa Shultz, MD, board-certified neurohospitalist and medical director of the CentraState Stroke Center. "We are among an elite group of hospitals with a specially trained Stroke Alert response team." [PHOTO] Lisa Shultz, MD, board-certified neurohospitalist WHAT IS STROKE? According to Dr. Shultz, a stroke is "a lack of blood flow to an area of the brain." Blockage in one artery is called an ischemic stroke; when an artery is ruptured, it is called a hemorrhagic stroke. Both can be equally serious, she says, and the CentraState Stroke Center can handle both types. "Time really is of the essence," she says. "With a few minutes without oxygen, brain cells start to die." AROUND-THE-CLOCK COVERAGE At CentraState, the stroke response team—including an Emergency Department (ED) physician and registered nurse, a neurologist, and a stroke coordinator—assesses patients immediately upon their arrival in the ED and initiates appropriate treatment, which may include administering tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), a "clot-busting" medication. "It's a very large team effort," Dr. Shultz says. "Even when a patient is coming into the ED, we have an announcement on the loudspeaker that there is a Stroke Alert." The Stroke Alert "is a recognition of how important it is to treat strokes fast and how much is going on with stroke now, Dr. Shultz says. "Now we know we can be very aggressive and change outcomes." Valeria Miller, RN, stroke coordinator, agrees, noting that the center has risen above national standards in treating stroke patients. "Efficient screening is imperative because some strokes can be 'silent,'" Dr. Shultz says. "It comes on suddenly, like a light switch. Something was good; now it's bad. The problem is that strokes don't hurt." Because of that, she says, "Patients need to become empowered with enough information to recognize stroke and seek emergency medical attention." "The whole goal is to increase recognition by the public of how serious stroke is and how time-dependent care is," Dr. Shultz says. Stroke Symptoms Stroke, which affects both men and women equally, is the third-leading cause of death in America, and the disorder is more common in people over age 50 and in those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or underlying heart disease. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse, uncontrolled medical problems, and genetics. Strokes come on quickly, so be aware of these symptoms, which could signal an oncoming stroke. Call 911 immediately if you experience or observe any of these warning signs: • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding • Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes For more information about CentraState's Stroke Center, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727). Healthy Heart & Stroke Smart Symposium Tuesday, May 15; 5–8 p.m. Take control of your heart health and join us for an evening of physician lectures on cardiovascular and stroke health, information about heart-healthy diets, and various health screenings. To register, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727).

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