Definition
A stroke or “brain attack” is most often caused by a clot or rupture in a blood vessel serving the brain. When the blood flow is cut off, brain cells in the immediate area die and can impact other cells in the brain causing further damage. Left undiagnosed or treated, it can result in serious and debilitating injury or loss of life.
Every year in America, more than 700,000 Americans suffer a stroke making it the third leading cause of disability and death in this country. In Rhode Island, nearly 700 residents die each year from stroke, but early treatment may reduce or even reverse the effects of a stroke.
Warning Signs of Stroke
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis of one side of the arm, face or leg
- Severe or unexplained headache or loss of balance
- Sudden and unexpected dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of speech or memory loss
- Sudden blurring or decreased vision
- Difficulty in swallowing
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and get prompt medical attention.
Kent Stroke Center
Within the overall mission of Kent Hospital and Care New England, the Stroke Center at Kent Hospital is committed to increasing community awareness of the danger of stroke, and to providing a comprehensive, state-of-the-art approach to the diagnosis and treatment of stroke in the community hospital setting. We have assembled a stroke team, comprised of experienced clinical professionals who work together under nationally recommended guidelines of the American Stroke Association to coordinate timely intervention, treatment and rehabilitation. The Stroke Rehabilitation Program of the Kent Stroke Center is fully accredited by CARF, the international quality standards body for rehabilitation services.
Kent Stroke Center Resources
- 24-hour availability of immediate intervention including the full resources of the Kent Hospital Emergency Department
- A stroke team of clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke
- Acute intervention including clot-dissolving medications if appropriate
- On-site diagnostic imaging including radiology with angiography, high speed (multi-slice) CT scan and MRI
- Centralization of stroke patients on a designated inpatient unit staffed by nurses trained in stroke management
- Coordinated pathways of care including goal-oriented rehabilitation beginning at Kent’s fully-accredited Inpatient Rehabilitation Center and progressing into the full outpatient rehabilitation resources of Kent Hospital and Care New England
- Case management, including referral and/or progression to needed after-hospital services
- Monitoring of clinical outcomes
- Community outreach and education, individually and with other organizations including area emergency medical services units
Additional Educational Resources |
