Aspirus Reminds Residents to Know the Signs of a Stroke

Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

In honor of May being stroke awareness month, the stroke team at Aspirus Riverview Hospital wants everyone to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of stroke.

Many patients are hesitant to seek emergency care,” said Rochelle Anderson-Tesch, BSN, RN, CEN, emergency department team lead and stroke nurse coordinator with Aspirus Riverview Hospital. “But a stroke is a medical emergency, and it is vital to receive emergency attention as soon as symptoms are noticed.”

Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every four minutes.

Surviving a stroke requires knowing the signs and getting immediate care – BE FAST:

• BALANCE – Sudden loss of coordination or balance;
• EYES – Sudden change in vision;
• FACE – Sudden weakness on one side of the face or facial droop;
• ARM – Sudden arm or leg numbness or weakness;
• SPEECH – Sudden slurred speech, trouble speaking, trouble understanding speech;
• And TERRIBLE HEADACHE – Sudden onset of a terrible headache

Once in the ER, a stroke patient is evaluated by Aspirus Riverview’s stroke team and may be given Alteplase (a thrombolytic medication used to treat ischemic strokes). When administered within a specific time frame, this medication can greatly reduce the level of disability caused by a stroke.

"Aspirus Riverview Hospital’s stroke team consists of outstanding nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals,” said Anderson-Tesch. “We provide exceptional care for our stroke patients.”

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.