Fast care for strokes is critical, Nacogdoches Medical Center urges the community to know the signs and act F.A.S.T.
May 25, 2021 - With May serving as National Stroke Awareness Month in the United States, local health experts are saying there’s no time like the present for the community to learn more about the signs, symptoms and treatment of stroke, while making lifestyle changes to help reduce their risk of stroke.
Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease which affects the arteries leading to the brain and the arteries within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, and that part of the brain starts to die.
Without timely treatment, stroke can cause a litany of serious health complications, including long-term disability and even death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.
Nacogdoches Medical Center (NMC) is the only Level II accredited Primary Stroke Center in Nacogdoches. Neurologists Joseph Scamardo, MD and NMC Stroke Director Blaise Ferraraccio, MD lead the hospital’s dedicated and experienced stroke team.
“It is critical for everyone to know the warning signs of stroke and to call 911 immediately if they or a loved one are experiencing stroke symptoms, says Dr. Scamardo. “Recognizing the signs that a stroke is happening can save a life. A delay of even five or ten minutes can make a big difference in the patient’s outcome.”
The latest indications from the CDC are that the American public is more aware of stroke than ever. According to recent surveys, more than three out of five people are aware of the major stroke symptoms, and also know to seek emergency medical attention when someone is having a stroke.
While those statistics are encouraging, recent studies have shown that the global COVID-19 pandemic has had significant consequences in the arena of stroke. While researchers are still working to understand the link between COVID-19 and stroke, doctors have documented an alarming trend of younger coronavirus patients suffering strokes at a higher than normal rate.
The pandemic also continues to unnecessarily impact the community’s willingness to seek emergency medical treatment at the onset of stroke symptoms. Dr. Ferraraccio emphasizes, “You should not delay stroke care because you’re afraid of COVID-19. Our hospital is safe for emergency and other care. Stroke is very treatable, but unnecessary delays in treatment because of fear of COVID-19 put positive outcomes in jeopardy.”
At Nacogdoches Medical Center, a clot-dissolving medication called tPA is used when medically indicated to reverse strokes – but in most cases the medication must be given within three hours from the start of symptoms of a possible stroke. “It is important for eligible stroke patients to receive tPA as soon as possible as part of their treatment,” said Ferraraccio.
Nacogdoches Medical Center continues to strive for excellence in the acute treatment of stroke patients, and part of that effort is making sure our patients are receiving the appropriate care as quickly as possible. When it comes to treating a stroke, every second counts.
For more information about prevention and treatment for stroke, consult your physician and visit https://www.nacmedicalcenter.com.
Breakout Box
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, only eight percent of Americans can identify what each letter stands for in the “F.A.S.T.” acronym, which reminds people what to look for when it comes to a possible stroke:
“F” is for FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
“A” is for ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
“S” is for SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
“T” is for TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Also note the time that symptoms of stroke first started; that will be important information to give to the medical professionals who treat the stroke victim.
Many hospitals and organizations are even adopting a new acronym, BE FAST. Recognizing that balance issues (B) and blurred vision (E for eyes) can also be important signs of stroke, they have been added to the acronym, encouraging the community to BE FAST should they experience any of the signs or symptoms of stroke.
