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Health Matters: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center | 5 I n July 2020, John Carrozza suddenly started slurring words and couldn't use one arm. His face started drooping on one side. Fortunately, his husband recognized the signs of a stroke and called 911. The ambulance rushed Carrozza to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Once here, interventional radiologist Samuel Hou, MD, acted quickly and administered the clot-busting drug tPA to Carrozza. Using advanced imaging, Dr. Hou saw that the medication had not cleared the clot. He did another procedure and then injected the tPA directly into the clot to dissolve it. After two days in the hospital, Carrozza showed steady progress and, thankfully, was able to return home. HERE WHEN YOU NEED US At Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, our doctors are prepared to treat the full spectrum of stroke patients, from ischemic strokes, such as the one John Carrozza experienced, to the most complex and serious cases. We know what a frightening and overwhelming experience it can be, and we are here to provide you with the best possible care and guidance. Our highly trained team—available 24/7—specializes in vascular neurology and neurosurgical and endovascular procedures to treat stroke. We are honored that the Stroke Center at Providence Saint Joseph has been certified by the Joint Commission as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, the highest-level stroke specialty certification. Along with a skilled team, the center benefits from sophisticated equipment including biplane fluoroscopy, which provides highly detailed images of blood vessels and blood flow in real time. "Biplane allows us to precisely locate our instruments within the brain and thus decrease potential complications or risk of injury to the brain," says Dr. Hou. Providence Saint Joseph also offers patients continued care at the Cusumano Family Neuroscience Outpatient Center. "Having our neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuro-interventionalists together really promotes collaboration," says Dr. Hou. "That translates into the When Time Matters the Most With smart—and timely—recognition of a stroke, and quick action by the team at Providence Saint Joseph, John Carrozza is back in action. best care and outcomes for our patients." As for Carrozza, he is grateful to have been treated at Providence Saint Joseph. "The care was great," he says. "Everyone was very attentive. My sister and first cousin are both nurses, and the Saint Joe's nurses were very patient about answering all their questions on my behalf, because I had difficulty communicating and understanding what was happening at the time." He is certain the compassionate care he received helped him on the road to recovery. "My physical recovery happened pretty quickly," Carrozza adds, referring to his arm and face. His speech took longer to return. "I'm a self-employed management consultant and often conduct two-day seminars where I do a lot of talking," he says. "Initially, I thought I'd never be able to work again." Fortunately, Carrozza improved considerably during the eight weeks of speech therapy and support he received from the Cusumano center. In time, he was able to return to his job and get back to his daily routine. "People who don't know me don't have any idea I had a stroke." To learn more about our stroke program, call 844-987-0488. MEET OUR NEW CO- MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF NEURO-INTERVENTION AND STROKE We want to make world-class care more accessible to our patients. In August, we welcomed Sandra Narayanan, MD, as co-medical director of the neuro-intervention and stroke program. She works closely with her colleague Samuel Hou, MD, to care for stroke patients and others with neurological conditions. She, Dr. Hou and the other neuroscience physicians at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center are part of the Santa Monica–based Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI). Partnering with PNI expands the existing services offered through the Howard and Hycy Hill Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Joseph, bringing comprehensive care to our community. Dr. Narayanan practiced for nearly three years at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, preceded by 10 years in Detroit-area hospitals. She completed her residency in neurology at the University of Miami and a vascular neurology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital (affiliated with Harvard Medical School). She also completed three-year fellowships in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. "I enjoy the continuum of care for stroke patients, from the outpatient to the inpatient setting, and from assessment to performing the procedure to seeing them back in recovery in a clinic setting," she says. She is happy to be in Southern California, which she feels offers wonderful cultural opportunities for her and her family. In addition to her medical expertise, Dr. Narayanan is trained in Bharata Natyam, the oldest classical dance tradition in India.

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