Ohio aims to increase recovery for stroke patients

According to a recent news release, a bill was signed by Ohio governor John Kasich that has a positive outcome for those who may suffer from a stroke. The bill hopes to improve the way first responders triage and transport severe stroke patients. The goal is to reduce disability and death that can occur during a stroke by creating written protocols for EMS personnel to asses, triage and transport stroke patients to appropriate care. With stroke being the leading cause of death in Ohio, many are looking forward to the legislation taking effect this spring.

What is a stroke?

Would you know what to do if you, or a family member, had sudden tingling, weakness or loss of muscle strength and control on one side of their face?

These symptoms could be the first signs of a stroke, a serious neurological condition that occurs when the brain’s blood supply is blocked by a blood clot or damaged vessel.

While stroke is one of the leading causes of death among Americans, and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability, a stroke can be treated if it is recognized and caught early enough. It is important to understand, and know the signs of a stroke when it is happening. An easy way to recognize a stroke is to remember the acronym FAST:

F stands for “face.” Ask the person to smile. If the person is experiencing a stroke, one side of the mouth may droop.

A stands for “arms.” Ask the person to raise both arms. Stroke will often cause one arm to drift downward.

S stands of “speech.” Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Stroke may cause speech to be slurred.

T stands for “time.” If you see signs of a possible stroke, immediately call 911 or take the person to the emergency room.

If you notice any of these signs, it is very important to call 911, or get the individual to the closest emergency room.

A Primary Stroke Center

Did you know that since 2007 Firelands Regional Medical Center has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center? Firelands earned this distinction after the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) conducted an extensive and objective review of the hospital’s stroke program. This Primary Stroke Certifications shows that Firelands has the capacity to stabilize and treat acute stroke patients, provide acute care, and administer tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), the only FDA approved treatment for ischemic strokes, safely and efficiently.

The stroke care provided at Firelands includes emergency care, including TeleStroke technology, diagnostic care, physicians specializing in stroke care, comprehensive rehabilitation and services to assist patients in recovery from stroke.

In addition, through our partnership with prominent, local neurologists, Firelands Regional Medical Center is also able to treat many other neurological conditions, not just a stroke. Once a condition is diagnosed, Firelands can provide services for the following neurological disorders:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Birth defects of the brain and spinal cord
• Brain aneurysm
• Brain injury
• Brain tumor
• Cerebral palsy
• Concussion
• Dementia
• Epilepsy
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neuralgia
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson's disease
• Scoliosis
• Seizures
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Vertigo

Firelands Regional Medical Center continues to strive for excellence in every aspect of Neurological care. In collaboration with Advanced Neurologic Associates, our facility uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to help diagnose and treat your loved ones.

To learn more about our comprehensive neurology program and services, please visit firelands.com/neurology