The Valley Hospital Stroke Center:
Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation, Support, Prevention, Education and Research

Please click here to take our Stroke Risk Assessment

Please  click here to view our brochure, "Stroke: Risks and Facts."

What Is a Brain Attack, or Stroke?

Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off. Most strokes are caused by a clot that has built up on the wall of a brain artery or one that has traveled there from another part of the body. Some strokes are caused by a ruptured blood vessel in or near the brain, which results in bleeding within or over the surface of the brain.

Stroke can result in weakness or paralysis of one side of the body, loss of speech or the ability to understand others, memory loss or a combination of these factors. Possible complications include pneumonia or potentially dangerous blood clots in the legs.

Can A Stroke Be Stopped?

Today there are treatments that can reduce the risk of damage from the most common type of stroke, but only if you get help quickly - within three hours of your first symptoms. 

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE THESE WARNING SIGNS:

• sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of  the body
• sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance/coordination
• sudden severe headaches with no known cause

Diagnosis and Treatment

When it comes to diagnosing and treating stroke, every second counts. At The Valley Hospital Stroke Center, we provide a rapid response to stroke. Our experienced stroke team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, rehabilitation medicine therapists, pharmacists, pastoral care chaplains and home care specialists. Together, they utilize promising technological advances to diagnose and treat stroke swiftly and aggressively. Our clinical pathways – treatment plans that "map out" every step of your care – ensure that each aspect of your treatment is delivered at the appropriate time and with utmost attention to detail.

The Valley Hospital Stroke Center

The Stroke Center provides:

• Rapid response by paramedics from our Mobile Intensive Care Unit
• Swift triage, diagnosis and treatment in our Emergency Department
• Acute intervention, including clot-dissolving drugs if appropriate
• A designated inpatient unit staffed by specially trained nurses
• Inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies
• Case management, including integration with acute and sub-acute rehabilitation facilities and home care services
• Support services, including pastoral care, social services and nutrition counseling
• Community outreach and education, including stroke awareness programs, health risk appraisals and stroke screenings
• Referrals to community resources.

Pioneering Research

To provide up-to-date stroke treatments, The Valley Hospital is engaging in promising clinical research aimed at lessening the debilitating effects of stroke. Led by neurologist Kenneth A. Levin, M.D., clinical trials are now under way to test the effectiveness of three neuroprotectives. Valley Hospital is one of only several sites in the country where these medications are being studied. Neuroprotectives reduce trauma to the nerves after a stroke, potentially reducing the severity of any resulting disabilities.

For More Information

For more information about The Valley Hospital Stroke Center, or to find out about upcoming educational programs or stroke screenings at the hospital, please call 1-800-VALLEY 1.

What Is Stroke?

Stroke is America’s third-leading killer and number one cause of serious disability. The results of a stroke can be slight or severe, temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. A stroke can cause death or grave injuries that can be detrimental to your quality of life.

You can lessen your risk of extensive damage from a stroke if you seek immediate medical assistance for any of these symptoms:

• One-sided weakness, numbness or paralysis of your face, arm or leg
• Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Difficult speaking or understanding simple statements
• Slurred speech
• Sudden severe or unexplained headache
• Dizziness or confusion
• Difficulty swallowing

“Be Stroke Smart”

The Valley Hospital Stroke Center joins the National Stroke Association in urging you to "Be Stroke Smart" and do what you can to prevent the third-leading cause of death in the United States.

Stroke Prevention Guidelines

• Have your blood pressure checked every year.
• Find out if you have atrial fibrillation.
• Do not smoke.
• Drink alcohol in moderation only.
• Find out if you have high cholesterol.
• Exercise regularly.
• Enjoy a low-salt, low-fat diet.
• Ask your doctor if you have any circulation problems.
• If you have diabetes, take steps to control it.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have any stroke symptoms.

Myths About Stroke

Every second counts in treating a stroke. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.