MetroWest Medical Center Provides Stroke Awareness Education

Time is Crucial for Successful Stroke Treatment

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death with nearly 800,000 Americans suffering from stroke annually. It’s also the leading cause of disability in the U.S.

Time lost is brain lost and it’s why a fast diagnosis and treatment is so important. The MetroWest Medical Center team is here to help with stroke prevention tips, symptoms, treatment and procedures.

“For every minute of delay in medical treatment, the brain loses 1.9 million cells. It is vital that treatment begins as soon as possible so that early action helps restore blood flow for better patient outcomes,” said Dr. Lisa Sotir, Emergency Department Chair. “Patients who arrive at the emergency room within three hours of their first symptom often have less disability 3 months after a stroke, than those who received delayed care. When it comes to stroke, always call 9-1-1 immediately to seek treatment. Avoiding or delaying treatment reduces chances of survival. We want our community to realize how critical time is for surviving a stroke and reducing the effects.”

“MetroWest Medical Center is encouraging our community to learn stroke warning signs,” said John Whitlock Interim Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to offer quality stroke treatment services and to be named among the Top 5% in the nation for Coronary Intervention in 2023 by Healthgrades.”

While hospitals have saved many lives due to their talented neurology teams and access to some of the most advanced diagnostic and interventional technology available, one of the most important factors in positive stroke outcomes is recognizing stroke warning signs and getting treatment as quickly as possible once a stroke is identified.

Symptoms Of Stroke

MetroWest Medical Center encourages our community to understand how to recognize a stroke FAST and dial 9-1-1.

The National Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. test helps recognize warning signs, which may save a life from stroke.

• Facial Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Can the person smile? Is it uneven?
• Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Can the person raise both arms without one drifting down?
• Speech – Is speech slurred? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.”
• Time to call 911. Check the time to identify when the first symptoms appeared.

Stroke Prevention: What You Can Do

According to the American Stroke Association, 80% of strokes are preventable. Here are some tips to help prevent stroke:

• Work with your health care team to control health conditions that raise risk for stroke.
• Make healthy lifestyle changes by eating healthier.
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity.
• Don’t smoke. Quitting will lower stroke risk.
• Limit alcohol. Drinking too much can raise blood pressure.

The American Stroke Association offers a free Stroke Awareness Resource Library. Learn more here.

If you think you may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. To contact MetroWest Medical Center Stroke Center for treatment or find a physician, visit our website here.