Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells will die if they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain.
Without prompt medical treatment, the effects of a stroke can be greatly worsened. Partial paralysis or weakness, difficulties with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, memory, speech, emotions, numbness, and depression are all possible end results.
Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY
If you or a loved one experience any of the symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately. At Kingston Hospital, our new Emergency Department is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Our certified staff and physicians can diagnose and stabilize stroke patients before beginning a rehabilitation plan, but it is critical that stroke patients receive treatment as quickly as possible. Do not wait for symptoms to improve or worsen before seeking treatment.
Stopping the Stroke
HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley’s Kingston Hospital Campus has an experienced 24/7 emergency team that can quickly diagnose and treat stroke patients. Treating stroke quickly and getting the patient stabilized can greatly lessen the damage done. 
Kingston Hospital received the 2010 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award,” for compliance to best practices and guidelines for stroke quality of care and helping patients reduce future stroke risk.
All of our Stroke Unit nurses are stroke certified with the America Heart Association, as well as National Institute of Health stroke assessment scale certification.
Stroke Symptoms
You may be experiencing a stroke if you suddenly experience any of the following symptoms:
• Numbness on the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
• Severe headache with no apparent cause
Reducing stroke risk: Eliminating or reducing as many of the following stroke risk factors as possible is a good plan.
Reduce high blood pressure: According to a 1996 study in Neurology, 35-50% of the risk of stroke is attributed to high blood pressure, so even a small reduction of blood pressure can make a big difference.
Reduce cholesterol: Statin therapy, which lowers cholesterol levels, also decreases stroke risk by 15%, according to the American Journal of Medicine.
Treat irregular heartbeat: Patients with atrial fibrillation have a increased chance of developing stroke.
General tips: A combination of diet and exercise, as well as quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, can reduce stroke risk.
Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation
About half of all stroke patients require some form of rehabilitation. Range of motion exercises usually begin soon after patient stabilization. If possible, allowing the patient to move around and communicate within the first 24 and 48 hours can also be very helpful in avoiding complications and improving morale.
There is a comprehensive offering of rehab services at HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, including:
Physical and Occupational Therapy: Our inpatient therapy team works to return strength, fine motor skills, and balance to functional levels.
Speech and Language Pathology: We offer language and motor speech therapy, stuttering and voice therapy, and can treat swallowing or dysphagia disorders.
Social Work: Certified social workers will provide care coordination and case management for patients with rehabilitation needs.
Audiology: Our audiology department can diagnose how much effect a stroke had on hearing and balance, and works to restore the inner ear to functional levels.
Location
Kingston Hospital
396 Broadway
Kingston, N.Y. 12401
(845) 331-3131
