May is National Stroke Awareness Month. As we think of those family members and other loved ones affected by stroke in the past, this time also gives us the opportunity to learn more about stroke causes and symptoms to help prevent stroke in the future.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving your brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. There are two types of strokes:
Ischemic: The major cause (87%) is a blocked brain artery resulting in an insufficient supply of blood to part of the brain.
Hemorrhagic: The lesser cause (13%) is the rupture of a brain artery bleeding into or around the brain.
It’s estimated that 795,000 people suffer from stroke every year. About 610,000 are first occurrences; 185,000 are repeat strokes. Getting immediate medical care for stroke symptoms is critical. It can mean the difference between complete recovery and a lifetime of serious disability.
If you have a sudden severe headache with no obvious cause, BE FAST and look out for other symptoms such as:
Balance loss
Eyesight changes
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 9-1-1
If you have a stroke, timely expert care is critical. AtlantiCare operates the first and only comprehensive stroke center in Southeastern New Jersey. AtlantiCare also received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Comprehensive Stroke Centers for the fourth time in a row. A growing body of research shows that stroke victims receive better treatment and recover with fewer disabilities at comprehensive stroke centers. These centers give you or your loved one the best chance to survive and get back to normal living.
Some features of AtlantiCare’s comprehensive stroke center are:
- 24/7 availability of specialty trained staff to treat patients with stroke, including the administration of clot-busting medication.
- 24/7 neurology and emergency department personnel available and trained in the treatment of acute stroke.
- A specialized stroke unit staffed by physicians and nurses trained in caring for acute stroke patients.
- Accredited expertise in performing and evaluating brain imaging studies quickly.
AtlantiCare’s Neurosciences Institute has been at the forefront of treating disorders affecting the spine, brain, and nervous system, serving all individuals at every stage of life with round-the-clock care. Offering the highest quality services, techniques, and diagnostics available today, the Neurosciences Institute provides a broad spectrum of neurological care and services including: neurosurgery, neurology, critical care, neurophysiology, and advanced imaging services.
Earlier this year, AtlantiCare announced its clinical partnership with Global Neurosciences Institute (GNI) which began February 1, 2024. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in AtlantiCare’s ongoing commitment to enhance healthcare access by integrating world-class care and treatment. Through a strategic partnership with GNI, AtlantiCare is taking steps to grow its already robust Neurosciences Institute bringing the latest research and advancements in care directly to patients.
To learn more about AtlantiCare and the stroke services they offer visit atlanticare.org/stroke or call 1-888-569-1000.
