A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. It is sometimes called a "brain attack." A stroke can cause permanent paralysis and affect a person's ability to walk, talk and even breathe.
More than 700,000 Americans experience a new or recurrent stroke each year—approximately one person every 45 seconds. While stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults, early intervention can help stop the damage a stroke can cause.
Virtua offers comprehensive care for stroke patients and for those who may be at risk. Starting in the emergency room, Virtua's stroke teams use the latest technology, including teleneurology, to quickly diagnose and begin life-saving treatment. Teleneurology is state-of-the-art technology that provides emergency room physicians round-the-clock access to neurologists via real-time, two-way audio and video communication.
Beyond emergency room evaluation and treatment, Virtua's stroke teams deliver life-saving stroke services 24 hours a day including:
- Stroke-risk assessment
- Prevention
- Dedicated in-hospital stroke units
- Stroke management services following discharge from hospital as well as follow-up
- Rehabilitation
Virtua's multidisciplinary stroke teams are staffed with trained specialists including:
- Neurologists
- Emergency room physicians
- Radiologists
- Specially trained nurses