Regional West Recognizes American Stroke Month

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Throughout American Stroke Month in May, Regional West encourages people to learn stroke’s symptoms, signs, and risk factors.

Stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain, causing brain cell death. It is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots, while hemorrhagic strokes are caused by blood vessels bursting in the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, blocks blood flow to the brain for a short period of time.

Anyone at any age can have a stroke. Regional West Stroke Program Coordinator Janelle Schroeder, MSN, RN, SCRN, ASC-BC, said learning the warning signs of stroke can be lifesaving.

“It’s important to know that stroke is treatable if care is received as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms,” she said. “Time is brain, meaning lost time equals lost brain cells. If you see the signs of stroke, call 911 immediately.”  

Stroke’s warning signs are represented by the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T., which stands for which stands for balance (loss of balance), eyes (loss of vision), face (facial drooping), arms (weakness or numbness in the arms), speech (slurred speech), and time (call 911 immediately). It’s also important to watch for sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side; trouble seeing, walking, or speaking; severe headache; and confusion.

Stroke’s risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation. To help reduce the risk of stroke, people are encouraged to take their medication as prescribed, exercise regularly, avoid or quit smoking, and limit alcohol intake.

“Knowing both the symptoms and risk factors of stroke is important for all people,” said Justin Stubbs, MD, medical director of Regional West’s Stroke program. “We can take control of our health by avoiding stroke’s risk factors. If a stroke does occur, knowing signs and symptoms can help patients and families determine when they should seek emergency care.”

Regional West’s Stroke Program is designed to provide evidence-based primary stroke care, including evaluation, treatment, and education to patients who present or are transferred with signs and symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses provide acute stroke care services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in addition to skilled therapies provided by an interdisciplinary team Monday through Friday.

Regional West is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Our program has also earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With the Guidelines® Stroke Rural Gold quality achievement award and Gold Plus Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Regional West’s Acute Rehabilitation Unit is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with special accreditation as a certified Stroke Specialty Program.

Click here to learn more about Regional West’s Stroke Program or call 308-630-1907.

About Regional West
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, the only advanced trauma center in Nebraska west of North Platte. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.