 |
||
|
Stroke Center As the area’s only Stroke Center certified by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, The St. Elizabeth Stroke Center is a collaborative program from various service areas, including the emergency department, EMS, physicians, nurses, radiology, rehabilitation services, case management, social services and quality improvement. Three nursing units at St. Elizabeth have been designated as the primary units for placement of stroke patients, Medical Intensive Care, 8South and 8South Extension. Staff in these units receive on-going education in the care of stroke patients. 1044 Belmont Avenue Youngstown, Ohio 44504 (330) 480-3121 Stroke Prevention A stroke is a "brain attack" which cuts off blood and oxygen to brain cells that control everything we do - from speaking, to walking, to breathing. Most strokes occur when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque or other fatty deposits. Every year, stroke strikes approximately 730,000 Americans, killing more than 160,000 and forever changing the lives of those who survive. The good news is that many strokes can be prevented. Everyone has some stroke risk. Some risk factors are beyond control, such as being over the age of 55, being a male or having diabetes. If you have one of these risk factors, it is even more important to learn about the lifestyle and medical risk factors you can control. The following National Stroke Prevention guidelines were developed by some of the country's leading experts on stroke prevention: 1. Know your blood pressure. If it is elevated, work with your physician to keep it under control. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of strokes. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once a year and even more often if you have a history of high blood pressure. 2. Find out if you have artrial fibrillation (also called AF). AF can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood can then form clots and cause a stroke. If you have AF, work with your physician to manage it. 3. If you currently smoke, stop. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke. 4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Heavy drinking increases your risk for stroke. 5. Know your cholesterol number. If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. 6. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy. A brisk walk for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways. 7. Enjoy a low sodium, low fat diet. By cutting down on sodium and fat in you diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure. 8. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems. Circulation problems can usually be treated with medication. Stroke Signs & Symptoms 
Few people know the symptoms of a stroke, but learning them and knowing what to do when they occur could save your life. Stroke is an emergency.If you see or have any of the symptoms, call 911. Treatments are more effective if given quickly. Every minute counts.
The most common stroke symptoms are:
Treatment It is critical for someone who experiences stroke symptoms to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. Once there, physicians can act rapidly to evaluate stroke and determine the best, most effective treatments. Once at the hospital, doctors will confirm the diagnosis of stroke and perform tests - such as a CT scan - to learn the stroke's size, location and cause. Medical researchers and stroke specialists believe that we are very close to having additional breakthrough treatments to stop a stroke in its tracks. Several promising new drugs are now being tested to determine potential effectiveness. Another important weapon against stroke is medical research. Hospitals and physicians in your community may be taking part in national efforts to test promising new drugs for emergency stroke treatment. This means that eligible patients have a unique opportunity to receive potentially life-saving treatments. St. Elizabeth's Stroke Center has been involved in 4 international clinical trials relating to stroke. Rehabilitation Back To Our Services
|
 |
