After a Stroke, Quick Treatment is Crucial

On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. Nearly 795,000 people have a new or recurrent stroke each year.

A stroke is a medical emergency. It can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. During a stroke, every minute counts. ‘The faster a person having a stroke gets to the Stroke Center, the faster we can intervene to save the brain and the person’s quality of life,” said Andrew Erian, MD, Director of Stroke at Montefiore Nyack Hospital and Highland Medical, P.C.

The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke. This occurs when a vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked. This prevents the brain from getting oxygen and nutrients from the blood. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes.

The main treatment for an ischemic stroke is a medicine called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Also known as thrombolytic medication therapy, tPA breaks up the blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. It must be given within 3 hours after symptoms start. In some cases, it is given up to 4.5 hours. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.

Stroke patients receive top-quality treatment at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, which is designated a Primary Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health. Institutions with this designation are recognized as being best able to address the medical needs of a person who is having a stroke with thrombolytic medication therapy and comprehensive supportive care.

“We have health professionals from a variety of disciplines who are specially trained in stroke care,” said Mohini Gurme, MD, Chair of the Stroke Committee at Montefiore Nyack Hospital and a neurologist at Highland Medical P.C. “Our Stroke Center team is dedicated to providing quality care and achieving better outcomes for stroke patients.” In 2021, Montefiore Nyack Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus with Honor Roll-Elite Award. This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

BE FAST to Spot a Stroke

B = Sudden loss of balance
E = Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
F = Face Drooping 
A = Arm Weakness 
S = Speech Difficulty 
T = Time to call 911