Stroke

The Greenwich Hospital Stroke Center offers a specialized program committed to providing rapid, advanced and compassionate neurological care to patients with stroke and their families.

The Stroke Center’s multidisciplinary care team includes neurologists, emergency medicine physicians, radiologists, nurses, clinical pharmacists, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists, and emergency medical technicians.

Greenwich Hospital was the first healthcare facility in Fairfield County to earn national certification as a stroke center from The Joint Commission. This means patients receive immediate access to the highest standard of care and the latest treatment protocols to minimize long-term disability and save lives. It has also received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get with the Guidelines®-Stroke” Gold Plus Award for applying the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment protocols to improve patient care and outcomes.

Treatment for Stroke

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

  • Ischemic Stroke – More than 87 percent of strokes are ischemic, caused by a blood clot. Many of these strokes can be treated effectively with clot-busting drugs provided the patient arrives at the emergency department as soon as symptoms are recognized.

    • A transient ischemic attack (TIA) — sometimes called a mini-stroke — 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. TIA is like stroke but without brain damage. It may present with sudden and temporary onset of visual, speech, language, balance, strength or sensation disturbances. Early detection can lead to immediate diagnosis, treatment, and management to prevent an ischemic stroke.

  • Hemorrhagic Stroke - This is caused by weakened vessels that rupture and bleed into the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke requires specialized medical or surgical interventions. Specialists are available at all times at Greenwich Hospital to care for these patients.

Telestroke

Greenwich Hospital also offers TeleStroke services to assess patients who are experiencing stroke symptoms, but are not at a hospital that specializes in stroke services. Our neurologists use high-speed videoconferencing and image-sharing technology to examine patients at remote locations, diagnose their condition, and work with physicians or EMS providers to recommend a plan of care.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Greenwich Hospital also offers an array of rehabilitation, speech, support and community education services to assist stroke survivors and their families. During hospitalization, physical, occupational and/or speech therapists meet with patients and their families or caregivers to assess needs and recommend a plan of care. These rehabilitation services are also available on an outpatient basis at the locations listed on this page.

Our Stroke Education Support Group meets monthly (except July and August) to provide valuable information on stroke-related topics for those at risk of stroke, those who have had a stroke, as well as for families and caregivers of stroke survivors. Check online calendar for Stroke Education Support Group.

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