White Plains Hospital Center to be named designated stroke center

Westchester County Business Journal, Jun 20, 2005

White Plains Hospital Center is in the final stages of becoming the first hospital in Westchester County to receive the New York State Health Department designation as a Regional Stroke Center. Upon designation, White Plains Hospital Center will be one of only a few New York State Designated Stroke Centers in the New York Metro area.

Being named a Designated Stroke Center means that the hospital has been evaluated by the New York State Department of Health and meets its strict standards for rapid response and treatment of strokes.

White Plains Hospital Center wants to use this opportunity to educate the community about the risk factors for stroke, the symptoms and the need to seek immediate treatment at the onset of symptoms.

Strokes and Their Impact

Did you know that strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States today, and a leading cause of long-term disability? Did you know that you can reverse the damage caused by stroke if you receive treatment at a Designated Stroke Center within three hours of the onset of symptoms? Acting quickly when stroke symptoms arise can save lives and greatly reduce the likelihood of long-term disabilities.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops. There are two kinds of strokes: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic strokes.

* An Ischemic Stroke, the most common, is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. It can be caused by smoking, oral contraceptives, a blood clot, or inadequate blood flow.

* A Hemorrhagic Stroke is caused when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and spills blood into the surrounding tissue. This type is less common and can be caused by hypertension, a weakened blood vessel wall, or trauma.

In both instances, brain cells in the affected area die because they fail to receive oxygen.

Each year, White Plains Hospital Center sees nearly 300 stroke patients, and approximately 80 percent are "ischemic" strokes. If patients suffering from a dot get to the hospital, we may be able to give them medication to dissolve the dot. This procedure must be done within three hours of the onset of symptoms. It can be life - and lifestyle - saving.

Stroke Risk Factors

Knowing the risk factors for stroke, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them. If you smoke, stop. If you are obese or have high blood pressure, see your doctor to begin a weight loss and exercise program. If you have diabetes, keep it under control with the help of your doctor or medical professional.

* High blood pressure

* Cigarette smoking

* Heart disease

* Diabetes

* High cholesterol

* Obesity

Genetic predisposition and the occurrence of small strokes (TIAs)

Stroke Symptoms

* Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body - Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech

* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination

* Sudden severe headache, with no known cause

What To Do

* Call 911 and request an ambulance

* Answer all their questions

* Ask to be taken to White Plains Hospital Center's Stroke Evaluation Center

DR. RICHARD SWEET

Leads New Regional Stroke Center

Richard Sweet, M.D. of Scarsdale, N.Y., has been named as the Medical Director for the new Regional Stroke Center at White Plains Hospital Center. The Center, which is currently under review by the State of New York, will be the first of its kind in Westchester County. Dr. Sweet, a Board-Certified neurologist, has been practicing neurology for more than 35 years and has been affiliated with White Plains Hospital Center for more than 25 years.

The Stroke Center Team

In addition to Dr. Richard Sweet, the White Plains Hospital Center Stroke Team includes experts in the fields of Emergency Medicine, Radiology, Neurology and Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation. Our team provides the quickest response possible for treating stroke victims.

TIM HAYDOCK, MD

Director of Emergency Services

The Emergency Department receives patients when they arrive at the hospital and performs the initial evaluation and intervention.

PAUL KHOURY, MD

Director of Radiology

Radiology evaluates the patient using rapid, advanced imaging studies to learn more about the stroke. This service is available - and staffed with advanced neuro-radiologists - 24 hours a day.

SUSAN DEALMEIDA, RN

Nurse Manager

Nurse Champion of the program and Nurse Manager of the neurology unit that receives stable stroke patients.

WENDY BUSCH, MS, PT

Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

This department provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, a stroke support group, speech and swallow rehabilitation services to stroke patients.