May is Stroke Awareness Month

Medical providers share an expression about treating stroke patients. “Time is brain,” they say, emphasizing the crucial concept that treating patients quickly minimizes brain damage.

Crouse Health’s designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) assures patients and their families that Crouse provides highly trained experts, leading-edge technology and speedy treatment for any kind of stroke or stroke complication.

“Minutes do matter when dealing with a stroke, and patients need rapid intervention. That’s what we deliver at Crouse,” says Tarakad Ramachandran, MD, an internationally respected neurologist who directs Crouse’s multidisciplinary stroke program.

Highest Level of Experience
DNV-GL Healthcare, a leading national healthcare accrediting agency, has certified Crouse as a CSC, a designation that reflects the highest level of experience in the region for treating serious and complex stroke events. Crouse is one of just 12 certified CSCs in New York State, offering stroke patients the latest diagnostics and treatments delivered by experienced, highly regarded neurosurgeons, neurologists and stroke-certified nurses.

“Patients and families can have peace of mind in the event of a suspected stroke knowing they will be getting immediate diagnosis and treatment from a talented, experienced team that works to not just meet, but exceed aggressive door-to-treatment times,” Dr. Ramachandran says.

Crouse’s dedicated Neuroscience ICU provides specialized nursing care  24/7. It is the region’s only hospital with two hybrid operating room suites, allowing the team to provide the most advanced neuroendovascular technology and complex stroke rescue capabilities.

EMS: Backbone of Acute Stroke Care
Dr. Ramachandran calls local and regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers “the back bone of acute stroke care in Central New York.” Not only do EMS providers transport patients as soon as possible, they play a critical, life-saving role even before getting to Crouse. They collect preliminary patient history, establish the facts around the suspected stroke, provide emergency treatment to stabilize the patient and correct blood sugar.

EMS personnel communicate with the ER/stroke team in transit “so that a treatment plan for that patient is ready to roll the minute the ambulance arrives,” Dr. Ramachandran says. “It is because of their hard work, and the time-sensitive administration of interventions such as tPA therapy, that many lives are saved each year.”

Barring complications, all stroke patients improve, and many recover fully and resume their everyday activities and lifestyle, Dr. Ramachandran says. “Many factors come into play in affecting the outcome of a stroke, but the take-home message is that stroke is preventable and treatable,” he adds. “Every minute without treatment can make the difference between life and death.”

Designation as a CSC underscores Crouse’s commitment to making the most of every minute to treat stroke patients.

Meet Our Team
Members of our stroke team will be at the Central New York Regional Market on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 10 a.m., with information that could save your life or that of someone you love.

>The Todd Hobin Stroke Survival Story

>SU Basketball Guard Howie Washington: Stroke Can Strike at Any Age

Crouse News is reported by members of our Communications Team.