Speak up. Ask to be taken to a stroke center with advanced treatment.
When you or a loved one are experiencing a stroke, the brain can’t get the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain cells die. So, time is of the essence. After calling 911 to alert a dispatcher that you suspect a stroke, ask to be taken to a stroke center where there is available access to advanced treatments. Be prepared to provide the last known time that your loved one was seen well (without symptoms). It's also important to provide a list of what medications your loved one is on as well as their medical history, including any recent surgery. And be sure to provide a a phone number for the doctor to call with any questions they may have.
You see, there are different types of stroke. There are mild strokes and more disabling strokes, which can involve large vessel occlusions (blockages) or bleeding in the brain. Precious time may be lost if you await transfer from a hospital that is not equipped to handle these complex conditions to a comprehensive stroke center that’s prepared 24/7 to provide lifesaving treatment. Hours of delay of treatment and loss of brain cells can lead to the potential for increased disability.
Our mobile stroke units help expedite appropriate care.
Stony Brook Medicine has mobile stroke units that are specially equipped, state-of-the-art ambulances designed to provide lifesaving care right at the scene, within the critical moments of a stroke before you even get to the hospital. Each serves as a mobile stroke emergency room with a full crew of first responders, medications and brain imaging equipment. This allows physicians at our advanced Stony Brook Comprehensive Stroke Center to immediately check for bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) and determine whether a person has a large blood vessel occlusion type stroke (ischemic stroke).
With physician approval, first responders onboard can begin administering time-sensitive, advanced stroke treatments. This is done while a person determined to have a blocked large vessel or bleeding in the brain is brought directly to a hospital with the capability of treating these severe strokes.
What if a stroke patient needs a special procedure?
Some strokes are more complex than others. And stroke survivors have the best outcomes when they receive treatment fast. As the first certified comprehensive stroke center in Suffolk County, Stony Brook University Hospital has been performing procedures for severe strokes for more than 15 years. We’re experts at it. In fact, we’re the only hospital on the north shore of Suffolk County that provides treatment for what are known as emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) strokes --- the most debilitating type of stroke.
Know the signs of a large vessel occlusion.
Is one side of the body weak (face, arm, leg), Is vision blurred or loss of eyesight in one or both eyes? Is speech difficult to understand, or nonexistent? If so, then it’s time to call 911 immediately.
While we hope that you or someone you love never experiences a stroke, this is important information to keep in mind when you call 911 at the first signs of a suspected stroke.
Several of our stroke survivors are happy to share their stories with you about the Stony Brook stroke care difference. Click here to learn more.