Stroke Center

Overview

When a stroke occurs, there is a short window of time to salvage the afflicted brain. To reduce damage, it is critical that victims are diagnosed and treated promptly. Research shows that patients treated at hospitals with a Stroke Center designation have reduced morbidity and mortality, fewer complications, and improved long-term outcomes.

Phelps is designated as a Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health, so our stroke program is equipped to radically improve outcomes for stroke patients. Our specialized staff members (from a variety of medical and surgical disciplines including the emergency department, neurology, neurosurgery and radiology) have undergone extensive training.

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Facility

The Phelps Stroke Center has on-site, state-of-the-art equipment needed to make a quick and accurate diagnosis and, when indicated, to begin treatment with clot-busting medications such as tissue plasminogen (tPA). To be effective, this life-saving drug must be administered within three hours.

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Achievements

Every year since 2009, the Phelps Stoke Center has received the highest level of recognition – the Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award – from the American Heart and American Stroke Associations for consistently providing aggressive, quality stroke care.

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Services

Inpatient Rehabilitation: Phelps is the only community hospital in Westchester with an Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Unit. The Rehab Unit offers stroke patients a continuum of services for long-term rehabilitation, including physical, speech and occupational therapies. Access to these services in the hospital means that it is not necessary for patients to transfer to a rehab facility that might be far away from their families. Patients also benefit from remaining in the hospital, where specialty medical care can be quickly provided if needed.

Outpatient Rehabilitation: After stroke patients are discharged from the hospital, they can continue receiving physical and occupational therapy at Phelps’ outpatient physical rehabilitation facility where therapists help patients improve their physical and cognitive abilities. Patients are also able to relearn skills for daily living in the rehab “apartment,” which features a fully furnished bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

Outpatient speech therapy is available at the Donald R. Reed Speech & Hearing Center at Phelps.

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Know the Symptoms of a Stroke

Both stroke and transient ischemic attacks (a brief episode of neurological dysfunction that lasts less than one hour) can involve:

• sudden onset of severe headache
• confusion
• trouble speaking or seeing
• numbness or weakness, especially on only one side of the body.

Immediately call 911, wait for the ambulance, and go to the closest emergency room — ideally one with a Stroke Center.

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