The immediate minutes and hours following the onset of these warning signs are critical. According to the American Stroke Association, only 5 percent of stroke patients arrive at the hospital in time to receive treatment because most people don’t know the warning signs or don’t realize they should seek medical help immediately. In order to increase the chance of survival and recovery, it is vital to educate yourself and your family about the warning signs and obtain emergency care immediately by calling 911.

The Stroke Program at Northwest Hospital includes a dedicated team of professionals committed to improving the recovery rate for stroke patients. The team provides the following:

• Initial emergency care.
• Early stabilization of brain and body functions.
• Appropriate referrals.
• Continuity of care through a team approach.
• Prevention of complications of stroke (e.g., pneumonia, bladder infections, muscle changes, and skin breakdown).
• Education.
• Rehabilitation.

The Stroke Program at Northwest Hospital, also includes the following:

• State-of-the-art Emergency Department
• A Stroke Team consisting of:
  • Emergency Room physicians
  • Neurologists
  • Intensivist (in-house) physicians
  • Physiatrists (rehabilitation
    physicians)
  • Nurses
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Case Managers/Social Workers
• Intensive Care Unit
• Designated Medical/Stroke Unit
• Rehabilitation Center