When every second counts in a stroke, Danbury Hospital is ready

When someone is having a stroke, every second matters. Northwell Health's Danbury Hospital is prepared 24/7 to provide timely, expert care when patients and families need it most.

Danbury Hospital has again earned national recognition from the American Heart Association for stroke care: the Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll quality award. For patients and families in Greater Danbury, the award reinforces that advanced stroke care is available close to home.

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Danbury Hospital has also received a Commitment to Quality award from the American Heart Association for its stroke program.

"These recognitions reflects evidence-based stroke care and the coordinated work happening across our hospital every day," says Neil Culligan, MD, section chief of neurology and director of the stroke program at Danbury Hospital. "From the moment patients arrive, our team is focused on making a rapid diagnosis, identifying the right treatment and guiding them through recovery."

Stroke care at Danbury Hospital involves emergency medical services, emergency department staff, neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists and many others. Each role matters, from the first 911 call through treatment and recovery planning.

Danbury Hospital is certified by The Joint Commission as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, meaning the hospital has advanced technology and expertise to treat complex strokes. Specially trained endovascular neurosurgeons use a biplane angiography system toremove blockages in blood vessels and restore blood flow to the brain. They also use this technology to treat conditions that can cause hemorrhagic stroke, such as an aneurysm. These lifesaving procedures are performed through tiny incisions in the wrist or thigh, helping patients recover more quickly.

"The American Heart Association award reflects quality care, but it also reinforces the importance of education," says Lauren Henriques, MSN, neuroscience coordinator for Danbury Hospital. "We want people in Greater Danbury to know how to lower their stroke risk by managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, not smoking, eating well and staying active."

If stroke symptoms appear, remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
• Face: Facial drooping on one side
• Arms: Arm weakness or numbness
• Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Time: Time to call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency medical services can begin the stroke evaluation and help expedite care at the emergency department.

"Recognizing stroke symptoms and calling 911 immediately can connect you or a loved one to care without delay," says Henriques. "Fast treatment can lead to better outcomes — helping save a life and preserve quality of life."