Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation’s third leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today.
Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. This recognition identifies hospitals with the best-practices and outcomes in their stroke centers. Our Stroke Center passed with a perfect score and was awarded certification as a Level II Stroke Center.
The Joint Commission´s primary Stroke Center Certification is based on the recommendations for primary stroke centers published by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association’s statements/guidelines for stroke care. The Joint Commission launched the program-the nation´s first-in 2003. A list of programs certified by The Joint Commission is available at www.jointcommission.org.
Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain stops. It´s a medical emergency. This "brain attack" begins to kill brain cells within minutes. An ischemic stroke – the most common and treatable type – is caused by a blood clot. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a broken blood vessel that bleeds into the brain.
Call 911 if you notice one or more of these stoke signs:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side).
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing.
- Sudden trouble walking or dizziness.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
For more information on the hospital Stroke Program, please call 281-737-2500
