Stroke Care
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the primary cause of long-term disability. In the event of a stroke, Owensboro Health provides the critical care necessary to improve the odds of survival and minimize the potential for long-term disability.
Every month, the Owensboro Health neurosciences team treats as many as 40 patients for stroke or a pre-stroke condition called transient ischemic attack.
When to take action
At the first sign of symptoms – blurred vision, numbness, weakness or disorientation – call 911. Do NOT attempt to drive yourself or a potential stroke victim to the hospital.
First responders can start early oxygenation and assessment, and call ahead to prepare the hospital’s lab, pharmacy and imaging teams for your arrival.
The Owensboro Health emergency team can administer drugs to break up blood clots, but only within a three-hour window – so acting quickly is critical for a successful recovery.
Learn more about strokes and transient ischemic attacks
Emergency treatment
Owensboro Health provides lifesaving state-of-the-art medical treatment to provide the best outcomes through evidenced-based care. All of this determines the right procedures at the most critical phases of your treatment. We take a multi-discipline approach to ensure the best treatments and therapy during your recovery.
Through our partnership with the Stroke Center at the University of Louisville Medical Center, a remote network provides Owensboro Health patients with immediate access to the university’s stroke specialists via a real-time video communication system.
Inpatient care
Owensboro Health maintains one of the best ratios of nurse-to-patient care, and our medical staff continuously updates its training and develops new best practices for stroke treatment. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, dietitians, case workers and chaplains meet regularly to determine individual care requirements.
After immediate treatment and recovery, our next objective is to prevent another stroke. Inpatients begin rehabilitation by focusing on restoring their lives to the best possible condition. We also provide our patients and their families with educational packages to keep them informed during the stroke recovery process.
Top-rated stroke treatment
A report released in October 2011 by HealthGrades, a leading independent source of physician information and hospital quality outcomes, named Owensboro Health the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky for neurosciences and treatment of stroke.
In May 2011, Owensboro Health was designated a Primary Care Stroke Center. This designation requires compliance with an industry-standard manual, documented policies and protocols, and specialized training for nurses.
We’re also stroke-certified by the National Institutes of Health, and partner with Green River Health on numerous stroke initiatives. In addition, Owensboro Health participates in the Stroke Encounter Quality Improvement Program (SEQIP), a state collaboration of 16 hospitals that shares best practices, policies and protocols for treating stroke patients.
For more information about stroke treatments and rehabilitation programs, call (877) 888-6647.
