| Comprehensive Stroke Treatment, Rehabilitation Can Restore Quality of Life
As a Primary Stroke Center, Holy Cross Hospital has met or exceeded high standards of care that result in improved outcomes - and increased quality of life for patients. We deliver holistic care focused on the physical and emotional effects of stroke, as well as the impact a stroke can have on families, work and everyday activities.
The Stroke Care Team may include the following specialists, depending on a patient's needs.
- Stroke physicians
- A physical medical and rehabilitation physician
- A stroke nurse practitioner
- Critical care nurses
- Physical and occupational therapists
- A social worker
- A nutritionist
- A diabetes educator
- Home care specialist
Clot-Busting Therapy: Stroke care begins in the Emergency Center, where patients may receive acute stroke treatment that can minimize the disabling effects of stroke. Treatment may include interventional therapies used to break-up blood clots that form in the brain during stroke, and improve or restore blood flow to the brain.
Some patients are candidates for tPA therapy (tissue plasminogen activator). tPA is a "clot-busting" drug that dissolves clots that occur during ischemic strokes, the most common type.
Rehabilitation: Early in the treatment process, patients are evaluated by the physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. This specialist develops a recovery plan to help patients reach the highest level of functioning possible. The plan considers each patient's immediate needs and their long-term goals, and may include physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Patient Education: Patient education is also an important part of the recovery process. When needed, social workers, nutritionists and a diabetes educator will work with patients to reduce the risk of a second stroke.
Home Care: The Stroke Center also connects patients who require continued care and rehabilitation after they leave the hospital with outpatient therapy and home care.
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