Seton Awarded Stroke Care Designation
Seton Medical Center has been designated a Primary Stroke Center—and that’s great news for you and your loved ones. The Joint Commission, which certifies hospital quality nationwide, awarded Seton its Gold Seal of Approval as a facility that meets the highest standards for stroke care and is set up to provide the fastest treatment possible.
“Rapid care is critical for stroke patients, when every minute counts,” says Edgardo Alicaway, M.D., a Neurologist and Medical Director of the Primary Stroke Center. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the risk of debilitating complications. When ambulance paramedics alert Seton’s Emergency Department that they are en route with a possible stroke patient, the Seton stroke team assembles within minutes and is ready the moment the patient arrives. “When stroke victims reach Seton, they may be eligible to be treated with tPA,” explains Dr. Alicaway. “tPA is a powerful clot-busting drug that can resolve a stroke immediately and greatly reduce the risk of permanent disability after a stroke if given within three hours of onset of stroke symptoms.”
Stroke Symptoms:
Face: Ask the person to smile; does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms; does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence; can he or she do it?
Are the words slurred?
Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, note the time when
symptoms first appeared, know that a stroke is probable and that time is
critical. Get help fast.
It’s critical to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately.
