Ascension Saint Thomas

Stroke care outcome data in Kalamazoo

Neurologists at Ascension Michigan in west Michigan deliver advanced stroke care at a time when you need it most.
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If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a stroke—every second counts. Signs of a stroke include sudden loss of balance, lost or unclear vision, face drooping or uneven smile, arm weakness and speech difficulty. Don’t delay emergency care for signs of stroke. Go directly to the ER or call 9-1-1. Ascension Borgess Hospital has earned the designation Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. We deliver 24/7 advanced stroke care, including neurosurgery, for even the most complex cases.

Recognize the symptoms of stroke — BEFAST

The first step in getting treatment for stroke quickly is recognizing the warning signs. Do this for yourself and your loved ones. Follow these B.E.F.A.S.T. guidelines:

Balance: Check for sudden loss of balance

Eyes: Ask if vision is lost or unclear

Face: Look for face drooping or an uneven smile

Arm: Check for arm weakness

Speech: Listen for speech difficulty

Time: Time to call 911 right away

Understanding different types of strokes

The type of stroke you have affects your treatment and recovery. There are three main types of stroke.

Ischemic stroke: A blood clot that travels to the brain can cause an ischemic stroke. If a patient receives hospital care within three hours of the first symptoms of an ischemic stroke, a clot-busting medication may be given. Patients who receive this medication are more likely to fully recover. 

Hemorrhagic stroke: When a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain, a hemorrhagic stroke can occur. 

Transient ischemic attack (TIA): When a clogged artery slows the blood supply to the brain, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, can occur. Having a TIA may increase your risk of having a stroke. A TIA is an emergency, just like a stroke. Recognizing and treating TIAs can lower the risk of a major stroke. If you have a TIA, your health care team can find the cause and take steps to prevent a major stroke.

Advanced stroke care

When you’re having a stroke, it’s important to get the right care, right away. Neurosurgeons and vascular specialists at Ascension Borgess Hospital have the expertise to quickly treat stroke. Clot-busting medications, such as intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), may be given in the first three hours after stroke symptoms appear. This medicine may open the blood vessels and restore blood flow to the brain. For some types of stroke, such as a hemorrhagic stroke, surgical care is needed to stop bleeding. 

And our care doesn't stop when you leave the hospital — we can connect you to transitional care in your home, an outpatient stroke rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facilities. Our goal is to improve your quality of life after a stroke.

 

Ascension Borgess awards and recognition

Ascension Borgess Hospital has achieved recognition for quality care from many organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center, American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines, and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades.

U.S. News Best Hospitals in Michigan

  • Ascension Borgess Hospital is high performing in stroke, lung cancer surgery, heart failure, heart attack, aortic valve surgery, kidney failure, hip replacement and COPD care.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Distinction Center Designation 

American Heart Association

  • Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure Gold Plus
  • Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke SILVER PLUS with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades - Spring 2021

  • Ascension Borgess Hospital Grade “A” SPRING 2021

Stroke support group

At Ascension Michigan, we offer a stroke support group for stroke survivors, including those who may still be in the hospital, loved ones and caregivers. During support group meetings, we provide encouragement, emotional support and discuss many different topics. Our stroke support group meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. To join, please call in or use the link below.

  • Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cyd-krms-ake
  • Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-256-1184‬ PIN: ‪160 951 538‬#
  • More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/cyd-krms-ake?pin=9554783818040

2022 Stroke Outcomes

  • IV thrombolytic (clot busting medication) treatment: Median time in minutes Goal < 60 minutes

    The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover. In fact, stroke patients who are treated with the clot-busting medication within 90 minutes of their first symptoms were almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability. The thing to remember is that stroke is largely treatable. It’s a matter of getting the right treatment, right away.

     

    • Ascension Borgess Comprehensive Stroke Center: 54 minutes
  • Emergent Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke Mechanical Thrombectomy Post-Treatment Reperfusion Goal > 86%

    In some cases a minimally invasive mechanical thrombectomy procedure is recommended to remove the clot in the brain that is causing the stroke. Ninety-one percent of stroke patients who were treated with a mechanical thrombectomy within 150 minutes from when symptoms started recovered with little or no disability.

     

    • Ascension Borgess Comprehensive Stroke Center: 96%
  • Diagnostic cerebral angiogram 24-hour stroke and death Goal < 1%

    Cerebral angiogram is a diagnostic test to evaluate the blood vessels in the head or neck to assess for blockages or abnormalities. This minimally invasive procedure helps to diagnose and determine the best treatment for certain patients with stroke and other cerebrovascular disease.  

     

    • Ascension Borgess Comprehensive Stroke Center: 2/163 = 1%
  • Carotid Procedure 30 day stroke and death rate Goal < 3%

    Carotid procedures are done to open severely narrowed arteries and restore blood flow to the brain. These procedures are often performed to treat or prevent strokes.

     

    • Ascension Borgess Comprehensive Stroke Center: 2/131 = 1.5%