Stroke

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

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.

The Stroke Center provides 24/7 coverage by expert neurologists and endovascular neurosurgeons. Our care team also includes neurovascular neurosurgeons, intensive care and emergency medicine physicians, radiologists, nurses, clinical pharmacists, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists, and emergency medical technicians.

Conditions we treat:

• Brain aneurysms
• Brain and spinal cord arterio-venous malformations
• Brain vascular malformations
• Carotid stenosis
• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Hydrocephalus and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid
• Intracranial stenosis
• Ischemic stroke
• Nose bleeds (epistaxis)

Stroke Treatment

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

• Ischemic Stroke – More than 87 percent of strokes are ischemic, caused by a blood clot – a blood vessel blockage in the brain. 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.
  
  Mechanical thrombectomy is a treatment for ischemic stroke. During this minimally invasive procedure, a blood clot is removed and blood flow to the brain is re-established. This emergency treatment may be of benefit up to 24 hours after stroke onset.
  
   
  • Transient ischemic attack ischemic (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. 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. Our team of specialists offers inpatient and outpatient ambulatory consultation in Greenwich and Stamford. 
    
    
• Hemorrhagic Stroke - This is caused by weakened vessels that rupture and bleed into the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke requires specialized medical or surgical interventions. Greenwich Hospital neurologists, neurosurgeons and intensivists are available 24/7 to care for these patients.

Advanced Technology

Our advanced technology includes advanced CT perfusion imaging and a state-of-the-art biplane neuro-angiography imaging system that allows physicians to quickly and precisely identify the area of a brain affected by a stroke and blood clot location.

TeleStroke

Greenwich Hospital 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. If more advanced therapies are needed, patients can be transferred to Greenwich Hospital Stroke Center.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Greenwich Hospital offers 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 care plan. 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 our Classes & Events section for Stroke Education Support Group.