Andrew McCarty, BSN RN SCRN
amccarty@marylanning.org
Mary Lanning Healthcare has maintained Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center (PSC) certification since 2011. We are one of 12 current PSCs in the state but were one of the first in Nebraska to earn this recognition.
In a relatively short period of time, stroke care has made huge strides. Despite the multiple options to treat patients though, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and the number one cause of long-term disability in the country.
If treatments have improved, why does stroke remain a leading cause of death and disability? As with other emergencies, rapid identification and response is crucial and there are still people unable to identify basic signs and symptoms of stroke. At Mary Lanning Healthcare, we educate our patients and the community on the importance of applying the F.A.S.T. assessment if you suspect stroke. Does the person have Facial droop? Do they have Arm weakness on one side of the body? Is their Speech slurred or are they unable to create coherent words/sentences? If any one of these symptoms occurs suddenly, it’s Time to call 9-1-1.
Our local EMS providers notify emergency department staff before hospital arrival, allowing our stroke team to prepare for acute diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the type of stroke our team identifies and the time symptoms began, we can administer a “clot-busting” medication here or coordinate a transfer for “clot-retrieval” if the stroke involves the blockage of an artery. These types of strokes are referred to as “ischemic.” If the patient is diagnosed with a stroke caused by bleeding into or around the brain, we can manage that here or have the patient transferred for more invasive procedures. These strokes are called “hemorrhagic.” Regardless of the type of stroke, there are treatments options available, but only if the signs and symptoms are quickly identified and the individual is promptly diagnosed by healthcare professionals.
While there are treatment options available to lessen disability and improve patient outcomes, primary stroke prevention and risk factor management can keep a person’s overall stroke risk low. These risk factors include, but are not limited to:
· High blood pressure (i.e. hypertension)
· Cholesterol (specifically LDL or “bad” cholesterol)
· Diabetes
· Irregular heart rhythm (i.e. Atrial Fibrillation or AF)
· Smoking
· Obesity
· Inactivity
· Unhealthy diet high in salt, fat, and/or sugar
· Family history of stroke
Working with your primary care provider to manage existing stroke risk factors can lower your risk for other chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, COPD and numerous types of cancer.
Please contact the MLH stroke coordinator if you would like more information on stroke risk factors, treatments options or outpatient follow-up at our multi-disciplinary stroke clinic.