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Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital recognizes World Stroke Day

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THE WOODLANDS, TX – Thursday, October 29, 2020, is World Stroke Day – a day to raise awareness about the signs, prevention, and treatment of stroke; and remind people it is important to act quickly when someone is having stroke symptoms.

Dr. Nhu Bruce, neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.

“Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the No. 1 cause of disability worldwide,” said Dr. Nhu Bruce, neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “The ability to recognize the signs of stroke and act immediately can make all the difference for a stroke victim.”

One tool that can help is the BE FAST test:

B – Balance. Watch for sudden loss of balance.

E – Eyes. Check for vision loss.

F — Face Drooping. Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.

A — Arm Weakness. Is one arm or leg weak and numb, especially on one side? Ask the person to raise both arms.

S — Speech Difficulty. Is the speech slurred? Can the person speak clearly, or do they seem confused? Ask them to repeat a simple phrase.

T — Time to call 911. With even one of these signs, and even if the symptom goes away – get to the hospital immediately.

 

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“Other stroke symptoms can include persistent neck pain and dizziness,” said Bruce. “The faster we reverse this process, the higher the likelihood of improvement – so it is critical that you take action quickly when you notice someone is experiencing stroke symptoms.”

Houston Methodist The Woodlands is a comprehensive stroke center, designated by DNV GL Healthcare. The hospital manages all aspects of stroke care from the FDA-approved clot-buster, Alteplase and mechanical clot removal – to cutting-edge techniques in neurosurgery, such as the WEB device for intracranial aneurysm.

Bruce added that hospital policies and procedures are in place to ensure expeditious evaluation and treatment of patients who present with stroke. The hospital’s comprehensive stroke team includes resources and healthcare professionals in vascular neurology, radiology, neurosurgery, hospital and ICU medicine along with support staff including a stroke coordinator, nurses and technicians.

 

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If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of stroke, call 911 immediately. For all other appointments with a Houston Methodist doctor, call 936.270.3333.

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Montgomery County and the north Houston region by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. The growing campus offers 187 beds and access to the most innovative care available including comprehensive cancer care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, cardiology, emergency care and advanced imaging. Houston Methodist The Woodlands is recognized as a comprehensive stroke center and an orthopedic center of excellence by DNV GL Health Care; and designated as a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. In 2019, the hospital broke ground on a $250 million dollar expansion project that will add 100 beds and expand the emergency center, heart center, endoscopy center and childbirth center. The project will be completed in early 2022.

For more information on Houston Methodist The Woodlands campus, please visit houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands. To find a physician, call 936.270.3333.

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