In collaboration with the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, T.J. Samson Hospital achieved its Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Certification in 2019 confirming that this organization is dedicated to providing stroke care to this community.
When minutes matter, the Stroke Team at T.J. Samson has you covered. With our highly skilled interdisciplinary team of nurses, providers, and community emergency partners with Barren Metcalfe EMS and Air Methods, we are here to provide you with quality stroke care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, stroke is a leading cause of death for Americans. The chances of survival are greater when emergency treatment begins quickly. Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who received delayed care.
T.J. Samson Community Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The 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.
T.J. Samson Community Hospital earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
Types of stroke
A stroke happens when there is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain. A person may have a stroke because of a blood clot or similar blockage. A stroke can also happen when a blood vessel bursts.
There are three main types of stroke:
Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain. This may happen as a result of complications such as aneurysms (enlargement of an artery) or abnormal tangling of blood vessels.
Hemorrhaging is typically either intracerebral or subarachnoid. An intracerebral hemorrhage happens when an artery in the brain bursts. A subarachnoid hemorrhage happens when bleeding occurs between the brain and the thin tissues covering it.
Ischemic stroke
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A TIA is a type of stroke that lasts only a few minutes. Blood flow can be blocked briefly by a burst blood vessel or blockage (e.g., a plaque buildup that decreases blood flow to the brain).
Though TIAs are short, they still need emergency medical attention. If you notice any signs of a stroke - even if they pass quickly - call 911 for help.
Signs of a stroke
It is time to call for help. If any of these symptoms are present, dial 911 for prompt transportation to the closest ER. Remember, “Time is Brain” when it comes to a stroke, so BE FAST and call 911.
Stroke treatment options
Determining the type of stroke the patient is experiencing, usually done through a physical exam, diagnostic imaging and blood work, is necessary to know what treatment is needed.
To treat a blockage, a neurologist may administer emergency medicine, such as tPA, intravenously. Doctors may also perform an endovascular procedure (surgically remove the blockage).
To treat a hemorrhage, a neurologist may use medication, such as blood thinners, to lower your blood pressure. If there is extensive bleeding, a neurosurgeon may need to remove the blood and relieve pressure on the brain. You may also undergo surgery to prevent further rupture.
Preventive stroke surgery
Patients may be eligible for preventive surgery to open a narrowed artery. These procedures promote healthy blood flow to the brain. Neurosurgeons may remove plaque from narrowed arteries, or they may perform an angioplasty to expand the narrowed artery.
Stroke rehabilitation
Strokes are associated with several debilitating side effects. Patients may have issues with their muscles, vision and speech. To help with any short- or long-term effects following a stroke, we offer specialized physical therapy.
Lower your risk of a stroke
You can minimize the likelihood of a stroke through healthy lifestyle changes. Preventable risk factors include:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Smoking