2009 Press Releases

Saint Barnabas Medical Center Offers Advice During Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the Signs and Acting Quickly can Make a Difference

Livingston, N.J. -- May is National Stroke Awareness Month and The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center reminds people that knowing the symptoms of stroke and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death, for you or someone you know.

“Stroke symptoms may often be minimized and possibly reversed if treatment is delivered early,” says Doreen Monks, R.N., MSN, Advanced Practice Nurse and Program Coordinator of The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “Studies have shown that clot-busting drugs delivered within the first three hours may be effective in limiting the debilitating effects of stroke, patients must recognize the warning signs and call 911 immediately.”

For those who suspect someone is having stroke, Ms. Monks advises they just remember the word "FAST.” Each one of the letters stands for a word which you can use to uncover a symptom of stroke.

F = facial weakness; ask the person to smile to test for facial weakness
A = arm weakness; ask the person to hold their arms straight out in front of them to see if one drifts
S = speech disturbance; ask the person to say a simple sentence (the cow jumped over the moon) to see if they are able to understand and repeat it
T = time to call 911

Almost half of all stroke patients arrive at the emergency room by their own means. Ms. Monks strongly advises against it. “If you or someone near you is exhibiting any sign of stroke, call 911. Transport by an ambulance is best for getting to the Emergency Room," she said.  “Doing so allows emergency medical personnel the proper time to mobilize resources such as a CAT scan and the stroke team ahead of the patient’s arrival.”

Ms Monks cautions that stroke does not discriminate, and although some people are at higher risk than others due to lifestyle and family history, anyone can have a stroke. Treatable risk factors include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart problems.

People often wait to see if their symptoms will go away and unwittingly put themselves in greater danger. Symptoms that last for only a few minutes and then subside may indicate a transient ischemic attack or TIA.

“A TIA or ‘mini-stroke’ is a serious medical event and requires treatment; it is also a potential warning sign of more dangerous stroke in the future. Seeking medical care during a TIA may help physicians prevent future stroke,” says Ms Monks.

The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas has a specialized acute stroke team available around the clock. Them team includes attending neurologists, nurses and other health professionals who provide the rapid evaluation and initiation of treatment for stroke patients by using the most advanced approaches and technologies..  Attending physiatrist (a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation), physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are also available to care for the patient. For more information or to reach The Stroke Center at Saint Barnabas, please call (973) 322-9742 or visit www.barnabashealth.org.  If you think you or a person with you is having a stroke DON’T WAIT, call 911 immediately.

Date: April 15, 2009

Saint Barnabas Contact:  Samantha Anton, 973-322-5425

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