Stroke
What Is Stroke? Stroke occurs when
brain cells die due to inadequate blood flow. About 20 percent of cases are a
hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel.
Other cases are known as schemic stroke or the formation of a blood clot in a
vessel supplying blood to the brain.
Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke.
Stroke is the nation’s No. 3 cause of death and leading cause of serious,
long-term disability. Each year, about 700,000 people experience a new or
recurrent stroke. The national estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke for
2007 is $62.7 billion. With advances in diagnosis and treatment, stroke can now
be managed as the life-threatening emergency that it is.
Once a stroke has occurred, all attempts are made to
decrease the time from symptom onset to stroke treatment. Initial early
diagnosis is important for treatment and disease management of stroke.
The American Stroke Association in conjunction with The
Brain Attack Coalition has developed current evidence-based recommendations
that are the foundation for consistent, high quality stroke care. WellSpan
collects and analyzes data to continually improve stroke treatment plans
facilitating improved performance and clinical practice.
How dow we compare? Experts
agree on the following ways to treat stroke, minimize the negative effects of
stroke and prevent a future stroke. Click on the links below to see how
WellSpan compares to other providers in these treatments.