Stroke Services
Time Loss = Brain Loss
Time is brain and seconds matter. It’s time to loosen the belt on
stroke mortality! Indiana has recently been added as 1 of the 11 states
in the “stroke belt” across the nation with high stroke mortality
rates. Good Samaritan Hospital is here to provide excellent individualized
care to meet stroke patients’ needs, suffering from conditions such
as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attacks
(TIA). With our dedicated stroke-focused program and staffing of skilled
medical professionals, we are able to provide quality care for stroke
patients. We aim to provide the best level of care in diagnosing, preventing,
and treating stroke.
Services offered:
- Emergency Room 24/7
- Neurology services and telemedicine capability for neurological services 24/7
- Specialized screenings for assessment of stroke-related deficits, such
as dysphagia (swallow) screens and NIH Stroke Scale (neurological/physical
deficits) screens
- Administration of clot-busting medication such as Alteplase (tPA-tissue
plasminogen activator)
- Head CT Scans, CT Perfusion, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Echocardiogram, Carotid Ultrasound
The beginning of a stroke often starts before the hospital encounter. Our
team works closely with local EMS on appropriate actions when a stroke
is probable. Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians have the knowledge
and abilities to identify stroke symptoms and are able to pre-notify Good
Samaritan Hospital of a patient’s arrival. Our stroke team is activated
and swift care begins. TIME IS BRAIN. We are equipped and ready to handle
strokes occurring at any time! Our Emergency Department staff is trained
to identify symptoms of stroke and they know the essential steps in best
treating our stroke patients. As soon as a stroke has been alerted throughout
the hospital, multiple departments such lab, pharmacy, and radiology are
notified. Radiology now has the capabilities to perform CT Perfusion scans.
CT Perfusion is noninvasive, painless, and fast. This imaging shows which
areas of the brain are supplied adequately with blood and detailed information
on delivery of blood/blood flow to the brain. CT Perfusion helps identify
the tissue in the brain at risk for infarction.
Stroke Risk Factors:
- Atrial Fibrillation (Irregular Heartbeat)
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Heavy Alcohol Use
- Physical Inactivity and Obesity
- Family History of Stroke
Patients can stay close to home at Good Samaritan Hospital to begin their
recovery process after a stroke. We are equipped to care for stroke patients
in our ICU and medical floors where patients will be closely monitored
by medical professionals with training in stroke care. They work closely with our
Rehabilitation staff, which is certified in Stroke Care, to continue their recovery.
Stroke care is not only a hospital program but also, a community program,
encompassing all aspects; prevention, intervention and rehabilitation. In
Knox County, stroke related deaths account for 62.9 residents per 100,000. This is
the highest rate in comparison to our surrounding counties. We are working with
Community Health Services in completing stroke prevention services, such as free blood pressure
readings and measuring cholesterol levels, and providing stroke prevention
education and events.

Good Samaritan is recognized as a Primary Stroke Center and has received
the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With
The Guidelines® - Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award.
Links:
American Stroke Association
National Stroke Association
Brain Attack Coalition