MossRehab Offers Important Tips on Stroke Warning Signs and Rehabilitation
May Is Stroke Awareness Month
Elkins Park, PA, April 21, 2005—Northeast Philadelphia resident Bill Pokorny didn’t know he was having a stroke until his wife came home from a short shopping
trip to find him weak, dazed and unable to speak. As a registered nurse for more than 30 years, Nancy Pokorny recognized the
warning signs and acted quickly—possibly saving his life. In less than a half an hour, Bill was in the emergency room at Albert
Einstein Medical Center where he remained for nearly two weeks.
Paralyzed on the right side of his body and unable to communicate, Bill was transferred to the Stroke Center at MossRehab,
one of the nation's leading providers of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Thanks to the endless support from his wife
and family and the intensive rehabilitation at Moss, over the next three months Bill slowly regained much of what had been
impaired by the stroke.
Today, more than 25 years later, Bill can walk without the help of any assistive device while he volunteers three to four
days a week at Moss. Although he still cannot express himself well verbally, his presence at the rehab hospital is an inspiration
to other patients and families in similar situations.
According to the National Stroke Association, every 45 seconds someone suffers a stroke. A stroke or “brain attack” occurs
when a blood vessel leading to or inside the brain becomes blocked or when a weak spot in the vessel ruptures.
"Depending on the area of the brain affected and the extent of damage, individuals may experience temporary or permanent deficits
in such areas as movement, vision, speech, memory, swallowing, and the ability to perform daily activities," explained Arthur
Gershkoff, MD, Clinical Director, Stroke and Neurologic Diseases, MossRehab. “Seeking prompt medical attention at the first
signs of a stroke, however, can make all the difference.”
According to Dr. Gershkoff, some of the key warning signs of stroke, includes:
- A sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and/or leg on one side of the body
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
- Loss of speech and/or trouble speaking or understanding others speak
- Sudden onset of severe headaches
- Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls, especially when accompanied by other symptoms
For individuals like Bill who have experienced a stroke, there is good news. “Continuing advances in medical treatment and
rehabilitation are providing a more optimistic outlook for stroke survivors,” said Dr. Gershkoff. “In fact, once deemed medically
stable by their attending physicians, the vast majority of stroke patients who have the opportunity—and who deserve the opportunity—to
participate in an intensive rehabilitation program return to a good quality of life.”
A comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program is designed to help the patient restore the highest level of function and independence
as possible. Each treatment program is individualized according to each patient’s specific needs and involves a dedicated
team of physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, recreational therapists and psychologists,
all working in tandem with a physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
The overall success of any stroke rehabilitation program, however, depends upon many variables including the severity of the
individual’s brain damage, the degree of resulting impairment, and the timely intervention from a skilled medical and rehabilitation
professionals. But, as Dr. Gershkoff states, “Stroke rehabilitation works best when the patient, family, and rehabilitation
staff work together as a team.”
Bill Pokorny was recently honored by the Philadelphia 76ers with the "Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott" award on
center court during a half-time presentation. The "Hometown Hero" award spotlights persons who make a difference in their
community and who might not receive the recognition deserved. His physician at MossRehab, Dr. Gershkoff, along with the Delaware
Valley Stroke Council, nominated Bill for the award. According to his wife Nancy, Bill was very humbled by the nomination
because he is not used to being the center of attention.
Recognized as a national leader in medical rehabilitation, MossRehab provides high-quality, compassionate medical care for
individuals with physical disabilities. MossRehab offers a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive programs
for brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation and orthopaedic conditions. MossRehab has two main facilities – MossRehab
at Elkins Park at 60 East Township Line Road in Elkins Park, PA, and MossRehab at 1200 West Tabor Road in Philadelphia. It
also operates inpatient units, outpatient sites and various community programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
For more information, call 1-800-CALL MOSS or visit
www.einstein.edu/mossrehab.
CONTACT: Michele Stefan
Marketing Communications Specialist
MossRehab
215-663-6399 ·
stefanm@einstein.edu
Publish date: April 21, 2005
