Stroke

Without warning, an artery in the brain may become blocked, or it may burst. When this happens, blood and oxygen can no longer reach parts of the brain. Brain cells, deprived of oxygen, begin to die within minutes, and parts of the body begin to shut down. This is a stroke. Stroke — the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability — is a medical emergency. An ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of an artery. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain. A transient ischemic stroke (TIA) is a “mini stroke” or “warning stroke” that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage; an obstruction (blood clot) occurs for a short time and tends to resolve itself. TIAs are strong indicators of a possible major stroke. Time, experience and expertise make all the difference in the treatment of stroke. Not all hospitals have staff experienced in providing the latest, most effective stroke therapies. Established in 1995, the Stroke and Neurovascular Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin was the first of its kind to serve patients in eastern Wisconsin with a comprehensive approach to care. Today, the Stroke and Neurovascular Program continues to provide new and better ways to diagnose, treat and prevent stroke, and help people who experience stroke to recover more fully.

Stroke Warning Signs – F.A.S.T. Face Drooping – One side of the face droops or is numb.  Arm Weakness – One arm is weak or numb. Speech Difficulty – Unable to speak or speech is slurred, hard to understand.  Time to call 911 – If you recognize stroke warning signs, call 911 for immediate transport to a hospital utilizing the most current acute stroke interventions. Second Opinion Learn more about second opinions, or to request one, call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.

Outstanding Stroke Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Beyond

• The Froedtert Acute Stroke Team (FAST) is ready 24 hours a day to respond to the acute needs of stroke patients. Members have the training and expertise to treat all types of stroke safely and efficiently and a neurologist is available onsite around the clock.
  
  
• Collaboration with emergency medical services (EMS) and Flight For Life crews offers patients rapid, safe transport to our expert care from across the Milwaukee region, state and beyond. Emergency crew members communicate with neurocritical care physicians and FAST members to start vital care in route and to begin treatment as soon as possible upon hospital arrival.
  
  

• We were the first in Wisconsin and among the first in the nation to receive certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. To be certified, a stroke center like Froedtert & The Medical College must have a neurologist onsite 24 hours a day and demonstrate evidence-based patient outcomes at least twice a year. Care must be provided from a multi-disciplinary team of neurologists, emergency department specialists, radiologists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, technicians and more all working in a coordinated, collaborative system. Additionally, staff at Froedtert & The Medical College have been leaders in providing extensive training and guidance to other area hospitals seeking certification.
  
  
• Quality care — the care of stroke patients at Froedtert & The Medical College is based on proven clinical evidence and established guidelines for stroke care. Froedtert & The Medical College are leading stroke quality improvement in the state of Wisconsin.
  
  
• Diagnostic tests that pinpoint the location and cause of stroke.
  
  
• Advanced treatments — medication, neurosurgery and minimally invasive neuro-interventional treatments can stop the most common type of stroke if provided early enough. In some cases, advanced treatments provided by interventional neurologists can extend the window of treatment from a few hours to 12 hours and beyond.
  
  
• A focus on prevention – TIAs (“mini strokes”), stroke, heart attack and other conditions greatly increase stroke risk. We make it a priority to work with patients to minimize risk through lifestyle changes, medications and treatments. 
  
  
• State-of-the-art Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit and Acute Care Units offer specialized care to stroke patients.
  
  
• Comprehensive stroke rehabilitation services to help patient’s recover to the best degree of functioning possible.
  
  
• Active clinical research aimed at finding new ways to treat stroke and prevent recurrent stroke.
  
  
• Gold Plus Award/Highest Performance Achievement Award – In 2012, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin earned the Gold Plus Award, the highest level of recognition from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Associations' Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Annual Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes our commitment and success in implementing the highest standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and measures. The Gold Plus Award recognizes hospitals that have completed two or more years of complying with quality measures at 85 percent or higher in each of seven core quality measures. 
  
  

Stroke FAQ

Last Review Date: Feb. 12, 2013

Online Editor(s): Kathryn Adam