Stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Stroke is a brain injury that results from a problem with the blood supply. Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, brain tissue starts to die rapidly, resulting in sudden loss of function.

Stroke does not age discriminate. The risk factors are the same no matter how old you are. Protect yourself against stroke by staying informed, understanding your risk, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and calling 911 immediately if you experience symptoms of a stroke.

Symptoms

Stroke symptoms may include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg (usually occurring on one side of the body)
• Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying
• Sudden blurry, dimming, or no vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness, falling, or loss of balance
• Sudden severe or unusual headache

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone else call 911 immediately.

Stroke Threats

• TIA (transient ischemic attack / mini-stroke)
• Prior stroke or heart attack
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Illicit drug use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High blood cholesterol and other lipids
• Overweight and obesity
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Women over age 30 who smoke and take high-estrogen oral contraceptives

Stroke Alert - Awareness and Prevention

The most significant challenge in combating stroke is delayed arrival to the emergency room. We are working to meet this challenge through the Stroke Alert educational campaign. This annual event was started in 2004 and is now active in 28 states. Dr. George Newman, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Neurosensory Sciences, heads up the Delaware Valley Stroke Alert program, which brings together almost 30 local hospitals to collaborate on making the entire region aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke and of the importance of calling 911 without delay. 

Our Leading, Certified Stroke Center

Our certified stroke center offers a complete continuum of care for stroke from expert, emergency medical treatment with the latest clot-busting drug to post-stroke rehabilitation care at world-renowned MossRehab, one of a few places in the country with a stroke specialty certification for both acute and rehabilitative care. MossRehab is consistently ranked among the country's top rehab facilities by U.S. News & World Report.

Seamless Transition in Care

Einstein Neurology's integration with MossRehab provides a smooth transition through the stages of care. Your care team meets every day to discuss and coordinate your treatment so that by the time you leave the acute care center, you are seamlessly moved into the next phase of continuing care.