For Immediate Release:
July 10, 2006

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

New report offers information about specialized stroke treatment in Missouri

A new report from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services provides information about specialized stroke treatment offered at Missouri hospitals. Stroke is the third most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the state.

“It’s important for people to know about stroke symptoms and treatment before a stroke occurs so treatment can begin as quickly as possible,” said Karen Connell, Missouri Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program.

Missouri’s Acute Stroke Treatment System Summary outlines information about acute stroke treatment at hospitals in the state. The report is available at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Stroke/.

When someone has a stroke, the goal is to get that person to a hospital – one that provides acute stroke treatment, if possible – in less than three hours from when symptoms began.

“Missourians should discuss stroke with their doctors and identify the hospital they prefer if they experience stroke symptoms,” Connell advised. “You also should tell family members and friends about your hospital preferences to help make sure you will be taken to the hospital of your choice.”

Noting that hospitals may add or change available services, Connell recommends that people check periodically with their health care provider to determine the most up-to-date services offered at a specific health care facility.

Recognizing the symptoms of stroke is also vital in order to seek immediate medial assistance.
 
To determine if a person may be having a stroke:

• Ask the person to smile.
  • Do both sides of the face move evenly and with equal ease?
• Ask the person to close their eyes and raise both arms.
  • After a few seconds, do both arms remain at the same level or does one arm drift?
• Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
  • Does the person repeat the sentence correctly and with no slurring?

Difficulty with any one of the tasks may indicate a stroke.

If stroke is suspected, emergency services should be called immediately.  The symptoms – including the time they began – should be relayed to health care providers. Only trained health care professionals can diagnose stroke, so it is critical for patients to be taken quickly to a hospital. There could be other reasons a person may exhibit stroke-like symptoms, such as not understanding the English language or other medical conditions.

Missourians also should know whether dialing 911 contacts emergency services in their community. If local emergency services cannot be reached by dialing 911, Missourians should become familiar with the correct number to call.

Missouri’s Acute Stroke Treatment System Summary report was developed by the Missouri Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program and involved a survey of 137 hospitals throughout the state.