The Stroke Center

The Greenwich Hospital Stroke Center offers a comprehensive program that provides rapid, advanced and compassionate neurological care to stroke patients and their families.

Available 24 hours a day, the Center's specially trained team includes neurologists, emergency medicine physicians, radiologists, nurses, clinical pharmacists, emergency medical technicians, rehabilitation therapists, speech pathologists and others.

Greenwich Hospital was the first healthcare facility in Fairfield County to earn national certification as a primary stroke center from the Joint Commission. This means patients receive immediate access to the highest standards of care and the latest treatment protocols to minimize long-term disability and save lives.

Stroke Warning Signs

Immediately call 911 if you experience:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Treatment for Stroke

There are three types of strokes or “brain attacks.” Each requires different treatment.

Ischemic stroke

Eighty-five percent of all strokes are ischemic, caused by a blood clot. They can be treated effectively with clot-busting drugs that must be given within three hours of the start of symptoms.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Sometimes called a mini-stroke, a TIA can be the prelude to a full-blown stroke. Studies show patients have a 15 percent risk of experiencing a major stroke within days after a TIA. Never ignore TIA symptoms, which can be temporary or fleeting. Early detection can lead to immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Hemorrhagic stroke

This is caused by weakened vessels that rupture and bleed into the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke requires specialized medical or surgical interventions.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Greenwich Hospital also offers rehabilitation, speech, support and community education services to assist stroke survivors and their families. During hospitalization, physical and occupational therapists meet with patients to assess needs and recommend services. Speech and language rehabilitation services are also available on an outpatient basis and at the hospital.

For rehabilitation, contact the Department of Physical Medicine: 203-863-3290 or 203-863-4290

For information about Speech and Language services please call: 203-863-3240