MountainView Hospital is now offering Interventional Neurology to stroke patients. While MountainView has had this capability in house, it is now open to patients who arrive via ambulance or EMS for this specialized care.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and also the leading cause of disability. A stroke is typically caused due to a blockage of blood flow in the brain, or when a blood vessel breaks and begins bleeding in the brain.
In some cases, stroke patients can receive a drug that helps break up the clot, but sometimes more treatment is necessary, which is when neurointerventional radiology is used to assist in restoring brain function. Neurointerventionalists will thread a catheter into the brain and remove the clot manually, allowing for blood to begin flowing and can aid in restoring brain function immediately. Neurointerventional Radiology is most effective within a few hours of when stroke symptoms begin.
“We know that the more quickly a patient receives treatment for stroke, the less permanent damage there will be to the brain. Saving time means a better chance of survival and a better chance of returning to normal life,” said Hiral Patel, MountainView Hospital Chief Executive Officer. “The interventional neurology program provides patients, whether already in the hospital or transported via an ambulance, will help our community access advanced stroke care, helping improve clinical outcomes in our community.”
The Interventional Neurology program for stroke patients can be effective for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Symptoms of a stroke can include weakness or numbness in a part of the body, difficulty seeing or difficulty speaking. This service compliments the already robust neuro service line at MountainView
Hospital, and will allow neurosurgeons, neurologists, residents and neuro intensivist to work hand-in-hand to treat patients.
While Interventional Neurology is used most often to treat stroke patients, this service will also be vital for diagnosing and treating various conditions affecting the central nervous system.