Show #334 Airing Sunday, 3/26/06
A stroke can be a severe, disabling illness. Of course, if you suffer a stroke, you’d want the best treatment and care available. But how do you know where to go? Our next guest will explain why you should find a certified stroke center. I’d like to welcome Dr. Norm Friedman, a neurologist and medical director of Akron General Medical Center’s stroke program.
Question: Akron General's Stroke program received the gold seal of approval from the Joint Commission for Hospital Accreditation and is now a certified stroke center. What does this accreditation mean?
Answer: Akron General's stroke program has been in existence for 10 years. A year ago we were certified as a primary stroke center. This certification means that we passed 10 strict parameters to prove that we provide cutting-edge stroke care that brings about good outcomes.
Question: What criteria are looked at when you apply for this certification?
Answer:
- Treatment to eliminate deep vein thrombosis (blood clot formed in a deep vein)
- Discharged on Antithrombotics (which fight thrombosis)
- If a patient has atrial fibrillation, they receive blood thinners or therapy that will eliminate blood clotting.
- Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) should be considered. This is an anti-clotting medication.
- Antithrombotic medication is received within 48 hours of hospitalization.
- Lipid profile (fats, cholesterol) is taken during hospitalization.
- The patient is screened for Dysphagia, or swallowing disorders.
- The patient receives education about strokes.
- If the patient smokes, smoking cessation is begun.
- A Plan for Rehabilitation was considered.
Question: If you have suffered from a stroke, should you look to transfer yourself to a primary stroke center for recovery?
Answer: There are just over 200 primary stroke centers nationwide. 13 are in Ohio. Akron General is the only certified primary stroke center in Akron.
Question: Would you recommend being taken to a certified stroke center in the first place by the ambulance?
Answer: Yes. Most ambulance drivers are aware of which hospitals have certified stroke centers. You can certainly request that. However, if there is no center nearby, getting to the closest hospital certified or not, can still mean the difference in surviving the stroke or not.
Question: Are there advantages of going to a certified stroke center for rehab and follow-up care months or years after a stroke?
Answer: The doctors and staff there are specially trained more for acute care than and rehab care. See your doctor or neurologist.
Question: Can you tell us a little about Akron General's stroke program specifically? Any specific treatments or techniques that you provide?
Answer: The Akron General Stroke Center has ICU doctors with specific expertise in stroke care in the hospital 24/7. The average time for a stroke patient entering the ER to see a doctor is 5 minutes. We also have experienced radiologists and board certified neurologists on staff with special training to assist stroke patients.
Don't strike out if you have a stroke. For more information, call the number that's next. My thanks to Dr. Norm Friedman.
