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Stroke Services

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.

Links:

American Stroke Association

National Stroke Association

Brain Attack Coalition