Continue to be stroke aware during COVID-19
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News from DPHHS, St. Luke Community Healthcare
RONAN — St. Luke Community Healthcare and the Montana Cardiovascular Health Program are reminding Lake County residents to keep vigilant about recognizing the signs of stroke during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, some data has shown a link between strokes and the virus, especially ischemic strokes caused by large blood vessel blockage. This could mean that more than ever, stroke symptoms should be top-of-mind.
Immediate treatment is critical for the best chance of recovery from stroke. The Ronan hospital is part of an active effort to fast-track treatment for acute stroke. St. Luke is one of 12 Critical Access Hospitals currently stroke-recognized by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
“Watch for information that will help you know these signs of stroke: sudden changes to balance, vision, face muscles, arm or leg strength, or speech,” said Abigail Byers, Director of Nursing at St. Luke Community Hospital. “Stroke almost always affects one side of the body. Every minute of delay means loss of brain cells. Everyone should be aware of the signs and make a fast call to 9-1-1.”
Greg Sheumaker, the manager of Polson Ronan Ambulance, agrees. “The most important thing—and sometimes a real hurdle for people—is knowing when to call for the ambulance. Stroke is an urgent medical emergency.”
“A person having a stroke is not thinking clearly, and if they try to drive themselves, others could be put in danger,” Byers explained. “Call for EMS.”
Stephanie Reffner, Emergency Room manager at St. Luke also urged a call to 9-1-1.
“We serve some residents who are miles away, often on rural roads,” Reffner said. “But there’s an advantage to calling 9-1-1 even if a friend or family member can drive you. You may be able to meet the ambulance. EMS can let us know they have a stroke alert so that we can ready the CT scanner, and get the wheels turning. EMS responders are able to complete stroke assessments in the field that can speed hospital diagnosis and care.”
The goal at St. Luke is to obtain imaging of the brain within a half-hour of arrival at the emergency room. For the best treatment options, patients or a family member also need to report the time symptoms began or “last known well.”
St. Luke Community Healthcare is part of the Telestroke Network in Montana. Through the Telestroke system, a stroke specialist can examine patients remotely using two-way audio/video. Brain images, such as CT scans, are sent directly to a neurologist on call. The Telestroke system can allow ischemic stroke to be diagnosed and treated quickly, even at rural hospitals like St. Luke.
“People feel overwhelmed by public health messages right now,” Byers said. “But it is worth your attention that the same health conditions that put you at greater risk of stroke also tend to increase the severity of COVID-19. Doing all you can to prevent stroke could also help you recover better if you do catch the virus.”
Learn more at: stroke.org, or visit @MTStroke on Facebook, and talk to your doctor about your risk of stroke.
