May is National Stroke Awareness Month. This is a time to educate the community on stroke symptoms, the importance of rapid treatment and the resources available here in the Las Vegas market. We spoke with Dr. Mohamad Fayad, Sunrise Health System's affiliated Medical Director, about how they are advancing stroke care across the region.
What is Stroke?
Stroke is damage to brain tissue that is often irreversible. Recognizing symptoms and acting fast can make all the difference in a patient’s outcome.
What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
One of the best tools we have to recognize stroke is the acronym BE FAST.
• B is for Balance – sudden loss of coordination
• E is for Eyes – vision changes in one or both eyes
• F is for Face – facial drooping or asymmetry
• A is for Arms – weakness or numbness, often on one side
• S is for Speech – slurred or strange speech
• T is for Time – time is critical, so call 911 immediately
Who is most at risk for stroke, and are there ways to prevent it?
While stroke can happen to anyone, it's more common in older patients. Risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) and genetic predisposition.
The good news is that many strokes are preventable. We recommend staying active, eating healthy, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, avoiding smoking, and working with your doctor to monitor your overall health.
What should someone do if they suspect a stroke?
Don’t wait. Call 911 immediately. The faster a patient receives care, the better their chances for recovery. Stroke is a medical emergency and every minute matters.
Why is time so critical in stroke care?
We say “time is brain” because during a stroke, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. Treatment must happen fast to preserve as much brain function as possible.
What happens after stroke treatment?
Recovery from a stroke often includes rehabilitation to help improve mobility, speech and daily function. At a comprehensive stroke center, patients benefit from a full care team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro intensive care specialists, neurointerventionalists, and rehab specialists all working together.
Rehab can include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy, depending on the individual’s needs.
What makes Sunrise Health System’s stroke program stand out?
Not all hospitals are equipped to provide comprehensive stroke care, but Sunrise Health System is home to several certified stroke centers, including Sunrise Hospital and Southern Hills Hospital. These certified stroke centers are designed to deliver advanced, time-sensitive treatment.
Sunrise Health System treats over 3,400 stroke patients every year across its hospitals. The program is supported by a network of over 150 board-certified stroke neurologists, neurointerventionalist and neurosurgeons, in a coordinated approach to ensure each patient receives fast care.
To learn more about stroke care and resources available, visit www.sunrisehealthinfo.com