Comprehensive Stroke Center: 24-hour Expert Care
Abstract: With a dedicated stroke unit in the Emergency Department, the most advanced diagnostic technology, on-site neurosurgical expertise and the leading edge of rehabilitative care, the Comprehensive Stroke Center at WFUBMC gives patients their best shot against the debilitating effects of stroke.
From Clinical Update, Summer 2007
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has long been a leader in stroke research, diagnosis and clinical care. Four board-certified stroke specialists, on call 24 hours a day, have over 50 years of combined experience in the treatment of stroke. With round-the-clock capability to administer the clot-busting drug called t-PA, the Emergency Department can help patients within hours of having a stroke, helping to reduce their recovery time following a “brain attack.”
Once a patient arrives at Wake Forest Baptist, a team of dedicated stroke specialists will evaluate the patient and develop a treatment plan from arrival to discharge.
“Our experts have access to the most advanced imaging technology available 24 hours a day for rapid diagnosis and treatment,” said Charles Tegeler, M.D., director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center. “Wake Forest Baptist has one of the world’s leading neuro-ultrasound laboratories and has capabilities not readily available throughout the region. Our capabilities include: trans-cranial Doppler ultrasound to assess circulation in the brain, carotid artery ultrasound, echocardiography to diagnose strokes caused by heart clots, magnetic resonance (MR) and CT angiography and cerebral arteriography.”
Clot-busting drugs have revolutionized stroke care, but they require quick evaluation and diagnosis. Wake Forest Baptist’s program is designed to help ensure rapid emergency care in the diagnosis and treatment of strokes. The Emergency Department (ED) team is trained to rapidly diagnose and treat stroke with the following capabilities: a CT scanner in the ED to diagnose stroke, 24-hour capability to administer clot-busting drugs including tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), an on-site interventional neuroradiologist for intracranial treatment with t-PA if necessary, an on-site neurosurgeon for rapid surgical intervention if necessary, and education for emergency medical personnel on rapid recognition and pre-hospital care of strokes.
Patients also benefit from a dedicated hospital unit designed specifically for stroke patients and staffed by professionals with advanced training in stroke care. The Center is accredited by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center.
“We are currently offering clinical trials for patients to help perfect how we deliver post-stroke care,” Tegeler said. “Our work with constraint-induced movement therapy and Botox® injections helps patients deal with the side effects of stroke and live their lives to the fullest.”
Constraint-induced movement therapy involves constraining a patient’s “good” side and forcing them to use their weaker side to perform everyday tasks. Studies have shown that patients who work their weaker sides for extended periods can strengthen and often regain some use of their affected limbs. Botox® injections are used to help patients suffering from spasticity post-stroke.
Inpatient rehabilitation care is offered in the J. Paul Sticht Center. Outpatient care is provided at CompRehab Plaza, offering convenient parking and easy access to our facilities. The Wake Forest Baptist rehabilitation team includes neurologists who specialize in stroke rehabilitation, nurses, social workers, physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapists, dietitians, and neuropsychologists.
Wake Forest Baptist experts also are training the next generation of neurologists with 20 residents and fellows currently in training.
Wake Forest Baptist has a significant history in the field of stroke care. James Toole, M.D., wrote one of the first textbooks on cerebrovascular disorders many years ago and has been working with students to help patients in the region get the best care.