With all the information available about healthcare today, it's surprising that so many Americans still have misconceptions about strokes, or "brain attacks." Surveys have shown that many of us believe that only the elderly have strokes; that nothing can be done to reduce the risk of having a stroke; and worse yet, that strokes do not require emergency medical care because they cannot be treated anyway.
The truth is a stroke can happen to anyone. A stroke is a true medical emergency, just like a heart attack, and should be treated with the same urgency in order to minimize the damage it can cause. Many risk factors can be controlled to help reduce your risk of suffering a stroke. Virginia Hospital Center gives the patient access to specialized, quality care that enables a stroke to be treated for an optimal recovery outcome.
Here you'll find the medical technology, qualified healthcare professionals, and specialized treatment programs needed to treat strokes from onset through rehabilitation, to ensure that you have the best possible chance for a full recovery and a full life.
From the Beginning
Effective stroke begins in the Emergency Department with swift and accurate diagnosis followed by immediate medical care. The moment a patient arrives at Virginia Hospital Center with stroke symptoms, members of the Stroke Rehabilitation team begin rapid assessment and treatment. Ultrasound testing, CT scans and MRIs can help our team locate blockages in major arteries to the brain, narrowing of blood vessels or blood clots, all telltale indications that the patient is suffering either a stroke or a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). If you are diagnosed as have had a TIA, our team will refer you to a physician who will develop a treatment plan to correct the blood flow problem and prevent the onset of a full stroke.
In the event of a major stroke, Virginia Hospital Center has the technology and personnel needed to provide the very best emergency treatment, including the use of TPA, which when injected can help dissolve the arterial clogs that often cause strokes. Should surgery be required to remove a significant blockage in an artery to the brain, Virginia Hospital Center has all the facilities, equipment and staff needed to begin operating on the patient as soon as possible.
Utilizing the special expertise of our Stroke Unit professionals and emergency medical team, Virginia Hospital Center offers patients suffering from strokes the best possible start to their recovery.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
When a patient is admitted to our dedicated inpatient Stroke Unit, all the services they need are available in one location, delivered by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals who are specifically trained and certified to assess and treat stroke patients. The Stroke Rehabilitation Unit constantly monitors every patient with sophisticated remote equipment. Neurologists are available 24 hours a day to provide immediate treatment. Our nurses undergo in-depth training and continuing education to ensure they provide the very best care to patients recovering from strokes.
Intensive rehabilitation begins right away. Our team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, clinical psychiatric specialists, social workers, dietitians and discharge planners, as well as physicians and nurses. They develop a customized treatment plan to that takes into account each patient's overall condition, special needs, personal goals and specific challenges.
The Stroke Unit provides the ideal environment for rehabilitation by providing on-site facilities for exercise and activities. In a special gym on the Unit, physical therapists work with patients to help them regain strength and coordination. The Unit also includes a kitchen and bathroom, where occupational therapists teach patients to use techniques and tools that can make everyday activities simpler and safer when they continue their recovery at home.
Ongoing Recovery
The Stroke Unit serves not only to treat and rehabilitate patients, but also as a resource for family and patient education. A variety of tools are available for staff to facilitate patient and family teaching. The treatment team emphasizes continuing patient education as part of all its activities. Discharge planners help patients and their families prepare for returning home, and arrange for continuing therapy and services.
Stroke recovery continues throughout life. And throughout your life, you can depend on Virginia Hospital Center and the Stroke Unit to provide expert care, technological tools, personalized attention and the continuing education you need to recover your health and your life.