Nacogdoches Medical Center Continues to Promote Stroke Education During Stroke Awareness Month

NACOGDOCHES – 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, as well as learning to make lifestyle changes that help reduce the risk of stroke.

Stroke is a type of cardiovascular 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 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. Stroke can result in many serious health complications, including long-term disability and death.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

Dr. Blaise Ferraraccio, a neurologist with Nacogdoches Medical Center, said it is critical for the community to learn the warning signs of stroke and to call 911 immediately if they or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms. These may include facial drooping, slurred speech, or one-sided weakness.

“It’s important to recognize the signs that a stroke is happening. The point to remember is that ‘time equals brain.’ A delay of even five or 10 minutes can make a big difference in the patient’s outcome. Ignoring stroke symptoms or thinking they will pass with rest at home can lead to lengthy delays in treatment and increased risk of long-term disability,” Ferraraccio said. “You should never delay stroke care because early treatment can improve prognosis. Delays in treatment put positive outcomes in jeopardy.”

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 know to seek emergency medical attention when someone is having symptoms suggestive of stroke.

At NMC, a clot-busting medication called tPA is frequently 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, further highlighting the need for rapid medical attention.

“NMC 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,” Ferraraccio said. “When it comes to treating a stroke, every minute counts.”

NMC is designated as a Primary Stroke Care facility by The Joint Commission and is also the only hospital in Nacogdoches to earn both The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Associations Heart-Checkmark for Primary Stroke Center Certification. For more information about prevention and treatment for stroke, consult your physician and visit www.nacmedicalcenter.com/services/stroke-treatment.

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.