Overland Park Regional Medical Center

A Look at the Different Types of Stroke

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and it is an important time to recognize the risk factors, symptoms, and types of stroke that may affect individuals of all ages and lifestyles. There are three types of stroke that you should be aware of, and these all have similar signs that come on suddenly and should be treated with emergency care at a certified stroke center. Below is a closer look at the distinct types of stroke treated at Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s Certified Primary Stroke Care Center.

Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for more than 85% of all stroke cases. It is the result of a physical blockage in one of the blood vessels leading to the brain. When blood flow is blocked, there is no oxygen flowing to the cells in part of the brain, so these cells begin to die. Healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and balanced diet can reduce the chances of blood clots that lead to ischemic stroke.

Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is less predictable and preventable than ischemic stroke, because it takes place when a weakened blood vessel bursts. Causes for this include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and untreated hypertension. Each of these conditions can exist silently until a hemorrhagic stroke occurs, so it is important to see your doctor for annual checkups to assess your total health.

TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is often referred to as “mini-stroke,” because the clot leading to TIA is a temporary blockage. Still, this condition is serious, and it may have symptoms that look exactly like those of an ischemic stroke. Emergency care is needed to treat TIA, and rehabilitation may be emphasized in ongoing treatment so that a full stroke can be prevented in the future.

If you would like to learn more about stroke during National Stroke Awareness Month and find ways to lower your risk, consult Overland Park Regional Medical Center. You can find information about our stroke education and prevention services on our website, and you can schedule health screenings and specialized care by calling our healthcare referral line at (913) 752-9337.

Congratulations to our "Nurse of the Year" and "Rising Star" Winners: Erin Williams, RN and Adriana Rollins, RN!

We at Overland Park Regional Medical Center are extremely pleased to announce the winners of our “Rising Star Award” and “Nurse of the Year” Awards!  The winner of the “Rising Star Award,” which recognizes growth, passion and initiative in the hospital, is Adriana Rollins, RN, and the “Nurse of the Year Award,” given to the nurse who exemplifies the very best in the field, has been awarded to Erin Williams, RN!

Erin Williams, RN, was nominated for the honor of “Nurse of the Year” because she is always kind, caring and willing to help others.  She provides excellent patient care and is the embodiment of what an RN should be.  She displays a passion for nursing, and always has a smile on her face.  We receive complements on her care from patients and families on a consistent basis.  Congratulations Erin!

Adriana Rollins, RN, was nominated to become a “Rising Star” due in no small part to her great decision making skills and ability to adapt to almost any situation.  Adi’s dedication to health care is demonstrated by her recent enlistment in the Army Reserves, where she is a Second Lieutenant.  She is always honest, straightforward and respectful to all.  Congratulations and well done Adi!

We would like to thank our winners, all those nominated, as well as the rest of our fantastic staff for all they do to contribute to the excellent care we pride ourselves on here at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.  For more information, visit us online at www.oprmc.com or call us today at (913) 541-5000!

Hear One Young Stroke Survivor's Story

Stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. As you will see in this video, there are cases of stroke in individuals as young as 18—including Faces of Stroke Ambassador, Bailey.

Bailey explains that the incident was not thought to be stroke, because she was so young. Still, she was properly diagnosed and went through speech, physical, and occupational therapies just four days after her stroke. To learn more about her story, watch the video.

To learn more about stroke and understand your own risk, contact Overland Park Regional Medical Center’s Certified Primary Stroke Center by visiting our website or calling (913) 752-9337. We provide care adhering to the guidelines set by the American Stroke Association with a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and physical therapists that specializes in stroke care.

Are You Attending This Year's Heart Walk?

Exercise is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your heart health, and you can get a jump-start on a healthy exercise routine alongside hundreds of fellow Kansas City residents at this year’s Heart Walk. The 2013 Kansas City Heart Walk will raise funds for the American Heart Association in order to create a brighter future free of heart disease and stroke.

When you sign up for the May 18th walk at Theis Park, you can set up a team or walk independently. Individual walkers and teams are encouraged to seek sponsors to donate money to the American Heart Association, as there is no registration fee to participate in this event.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center is proud to support the Kansas City Heart Walk, and we can help you find even more healthy ways to care for your heart and encourage good health in your community. You can learn more about the heart health and stroke care services offered at our facilities by calling our healthcare referral line at (913) 752-9337 or visiting our website.

Stroke: Why Acting FAST Is Essential

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States today, and it can significantly reduce the quality of life for those who survive this type of traumatic brain episode. When proper steps are taken to prevent and treat stroke, however, the impact of stroke can be reduced dramatically. Acting F-A-S-T is the best strategy for responding to stroke, as this will ensure that emergency care is given at the first signs of a problem. Here are some of the other reasons to look out for stroke indicators in the Face, Arms, and Speech so that treatment can be delivered in Time.

Lower risk of fatality
Every second from the first signs of stroke to admission to the emergency room matters when it comes to the prognosis for stroke. When an individual suffering a stroke is brought to a certified stroke center right away, there is a much better chance for survival.

Less damage to brain tissue
Survival is not the only concern of stroke care, as quality of life may be much lower when more brain damage is sustained during the episode. During a stroke, oxygen is blocked from part of the brain tissue, and damage will continue until blood flow and oxygen supply are restored with quick-response care. If care is delivered as soon as possible, the recovery and rehabilitation process is more likely to be successful for the patient.

Reduced chances for future stroke
Those who have suffered a stroke are more likely to have a stroke in the future—particularly if the damage from the first episode was extensive. When medical care is received within three hours of the onset of symptoms, clot-buster medication can be given to reduce the effects of stroke and lower the likelihood of long-term disability resulting from the episode.

At Overland Park Regional Medical Center we provide complete stroke care as a Certified Primary Stroke Center achieving a Silver Plus rating in the American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines assessment. You can learn more about the certification and awards of our Certified Stroke Center and explore more of our emergency care services on our website or call us directly at (913) 752-9337.