Michigan Stroke Network

Exceptional Emergency Stroke Care, brought to you by Mercy Hospital

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and disables more adults than any other condition. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts. The result can be a serious as brain damage or even death. Prompt treatment is essential to protect brain cells.

Stroke becomes increasingly prevalent after age 55. You should worry about the possibility of stroke if your doctor has diagnosed you with hypertension. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, that’s why it’s important to follow your doctor’s prescription for decreasing your blood pressure. In addition if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or a cardiovascular problem such as high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation of carotid artery stenosis, you should work to lower your risk for stroke.

Symptoms of Stroke

Some strokes occur silently, but when symptoms are present, they include:

• sudden unexplained confusion or loss of consciousness
• severe headache of sudden onset
• paralysis, weakness, numbness or loss of coordination on one side of the body
• sudden loss of vision or double vision
• slurred speech or sudden inability to find words or understand what is said
• severe dizziness and loss of balance or coordination

If you have any of the symptoms of stroke, you should take action immediately. Call 911, and ask EMS to transport you to the nearest hospital emergency room. The fastest access to medical care will enhance your chances of survival and success in recovery.

Utilizing a Remote Presence TM robot in the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room, clinicians and physicians will have access to highly trained neuroendovascular specialists at St. Joseph’s Mercy in Oakland County.

To provide the most advanced treatment for stroke, Mercy Hospital now highly-trained staff and provides access to state-of-the-art treatment and facilities through its partnership with the Michigan Stroke Network. Designed to make specialized stroke care available to patients, the Michigan Stroke Network is a medical lifeline for patients across the area. Through the use of Remote Presence TM robots, the network ensures immediate access to neuroendovascular specialists at St. Joesph’s Mercy Hospital in Oakland County. This outstanding partnership means that stroke patients in the Blue Water Area will have the most advanced emergency care available, right here, close to home.

Mercy’s affiliation with the Michigan Stroke Network will bring specialist and technology closer to home for emergency stroke patients, increasing the chance for successful rehabilitation and ultimately saving lives.

For more information about the Michigan Stroke Network, visit their website at: www.michiganstrokenetwork.com.