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 When a stroke occurs, every second counts. Brain damage can occur within a matter of moments. Based on
the need for immediate action, Memorial University Medical Center created
StrokeOne, a 24-hour rapid-response team that treats stroke
patients as quickly as possible. Because of StrokeOne, Memorial University Medical Center has
been designated a Primary
Stroke Center by the Joint Commission.
StrokeOne consists of neurologists, emergency-trained
physicians, and specially trained nurses. Members of StrokeOne are
on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The team is paged as
soon as paramedics notify the hospital that a stroke patient is coming to the emergency room.
If the team determines the patient is having an ischemic stroke (caused when a blood clot plugs an artery in the brain), the neurologist
may decide to use a drug called tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA. If
administered within three hours of the first stroke symptoms, tPA can break up
the clot and restore blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain. The faster
the clot is broken up, the better the odds of recovering and limiting
disability. The StrokeOne team can also deliver tPA intra-arterially within six
hours. The intra-arterial process entails sending tPA straight into the clot
site through a catheter.
Even after the patient is moved out of the emergency room, StrokeOne follows him
or her through the hospital recovery phase and the rehabilitation process. StrokeOne's goal is to educate patients and help them get home again as quickly as
possible.
StrokeOne Services
- Training and educational programs for physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and
the community
- A GE Lightspeed CT scanner to accurately diagnose stroke within minutes
- Ability to issue tPA either through an IV or an intra-arterial catheter
- Regular visits to stroke patients during the recovery process
- Support and assistance for patients throughout the rehabilitation process
- Stroke education for patients and their families
- Gather and compile data on stroke outcomes for research and to constantly improve care
Know the Signs
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has compiled the following warning signs of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, often
on just one side of the body
- Sudden confusion accompanied by trouble speaking and/or understanding speech
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness, lack of balance, and trouble walking
- Sudden severe headache
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call
911 immediately. When it comes to treating a stroke, just a few
seconds can make a critical difference.
Contact Us
Memorial University Medical Center StrokeOne
4700 Waters Avenue
Savannah, GA 31403
912-350-8381
Jay Howington, M.D., Physician Director, StrokeOne
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