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With Stroke, Every Minute Matters When tests at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center showed a clot in Patrick's brain, the clot- busting agent tissue plasminogen activator—or tPA—was immediately administered. "Time is brain," says Kenneth Isaacs, M.D., regional medical director of Providence Spokane Neuroscience Institute. "We work closely with emergency medical services to make every minute count in evaluation and treatment." "We believe having 24/7 neurohospitalists in-house and available immediately in the emergency department is key." A Comprehensive Team Approach Patrick spent his initial week of treatment under Sacred Heart's care, first in the ICU and later in a unit of the hospital dedicated to stroke care. He was then transferred to St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute, where he spent two weeks regaining his strength and coordination. "The next morning after I had the stroke, I could barely lift my left arm or my left leg," shares Patrick. "It was scary. There were a lot of unknowns at that time. I feel lucky that I was able to go to a rehab hospital because I still wasn't able to walk after a week in the hospital." "Rehabilitation is also important for achieving optimal recovery," adds Dr. Isaacs. "The close collaboration between Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and the therapy team in our hospitals and at St. Luke's ensures a smooth continuum of care." After being discharged from St. Luke's, Patrick continued treatment in an outpatient setting with neurologist Elizabeth Walz, M.D. "I relied on Dr. Walz's guidance for ongoing care." "The doctors, nurses and therapists, especially occupational therapists, were always cognizant of my ultimate goal," explains Patrick. "A lot of what we were doing was, can I get back to playing the bass? And how can I get back to playing the bass?" If you are experiencing stroke symptoms, always call 9-1-1. In collaboration with our EMS partners, a "code stroke" emergency protocol can be implemented and helps reduce time for treatment. Goals Realized Just four months after the stroke, Patrick returned to playing with the Spokane Symphony full-time. Today, he's hiking again and working to return to the level of fitness he achieved before his Grand Canyon hike. "I have sat in the balcony and listened to him play with deep appreciation and satisfaction knowing his story," says Dr. Isaacs. "It's a story of state-of-the-art excellence in stroke care working for and with such a determined patient and family." Not surprisingly, Patrick also has a new lease on life. "I feel like I appreciate things more. The small things. Just being able to be around the family, for instance. Family gatherings. Holidays. They just mean that much more now." McNally's advice to others who think they're having a stroke? "If you are experiencing the symptoms of F.A.S.T — Face, Arm, Speech, Time — get to the hospital as quickly as you can. Call 9-1-1. Don't try to go yourself. Minutes matter." ■ "It has definitely changed how I think about a lot of things. I feel like I appreciate things more." READ ON YOUR TABLET OR PHONE: PROVIDENCE.ORG/HEARTBEAT 7 Elizabeth Walz, M.D., with Providence Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disorders Clinic, suggests that while not all strokes can be prevented, these following steps can help reduce your risk. JOURNEY TO HEALTH Manage Blood Pressure Track your blood pressure daily Control Cholesterol Make sure to talk with your doc! Reduce Blood Sugar Drink less sugary beverages Get Active Add 30 minutes of walking a day Eat Better Learn to love healthy snacks Lose Weight Keep an eye on the scale Stop Smoking Let's quit once and for all Extending Care to Rural Communities Through its TeleStroke program, a real-time video connection between Providence stroke providers in Spokane and 18 hospitals in the region extends clinical expertise to people in rural communities and leads to life-saving results. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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