HOLLAND, Mich., May 23, 2024 — In recognition of National Stroke Month throughout May, Holland Hospital is reminding the community of the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke and acting quickly. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the US, and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability; fortunately, timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
“Recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention quickly is key,” said Daniel Mortensen, MD, emergency medicine physician at Holland Hospital.
Most strokes are caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain and can occur at any age. Strokes can be caused by a blockage or clot restricting blood flow to the brain or can occur when a blood vessel ruptures. According to the National Stroke Association, nearly 800,000 strokes occur in the United States each year, translating to someone experiencing a stroke every 40 seconds.
Several factors increase the risk of stroke, including high blood pressure, obesity, unhealthy cholesterol levels, narrowed arteries, diabetes, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia or AFib), a past stroke (or TIA), being over 65, and having a family history of stroke, in addition to various lifestyle choices. The most common signs of a stroke are arm/leg weakness, facial droop, speech/vision changes, and problems with balance.
Holland Hospital encourages everyone to learn the acronym “BE FAST”, which can help identify a potential stroke:
- Balance (dizziness or loss of balance or coordination)
- Eyes (trouble seeing out of one or both eyes)
- Face (drooping of one side of the face)
- Arm (weakness or numbness in one arm)
- Speech (trouble speaking or confusion)
- Time (call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs)
Holland Hospital is equipped with teams specifically trained to respond to stroke emergencies. In these situations, first responders play a vital role by identifying stroke symptoms, which enables them to efficiently communicate with the hospital. This ensures that a stroke team is prepared to take immediate action upon a patient's arrival, which maximizes the chance of a successful outcome.
Dedicated to providing advanced stroke treatment to the community, Holland Hospital’s highly skilled stroke team includes emergency physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, radiologists, rehabilitation professionals and others with specialized training. In the aftermath of a stroke, the hospital’s dedicated rehabilitation team empowers survivors on their road to recovery, helping them regain independence and enhance their quality of life.
Dr. Mortensen, a member of the hospital’s stroke committee, provides care at Holland Hospital’s emergency department. “Remember to seek emergency medical care at the first sign of a stroke,” he shared. “Earlier treatment leads to better outcomes.”
This urgency underscores the importance of calling 911 immediately upon the onset of stroke signs and symptoms. Holland Hospital and its stroke committee remind the community to avoid driving and instead utilize emergency transport during emergency medical situations.
To learn more, visit hollandhospital.org/stroke.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
May 23, 2024