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

When someone is having a stroke, every second matters. A fast, accurate response can make all the difference in saving a life and recovering well after a stroke. If you or someone you love has stroke symptoms, Northwell Health's Norwalk Hospital is prepared — 24/7 — to provide timely, expert care.

Norwalk Hospital has again earned national recognition from the American Heart Association for delivering timely, evidence-based stroke care. For patients and families in Greater Norwalk, the award means you can feel confident that a highly trained team is ready to diagnose stroke quickly, provide advanced treatment and support you through recovery.

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"This is our fourth consecutive year achieving Gold PLUS status with Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll," says Michele Lecardo, DNP, neuroscience coordinator at Norwalk Hospital. "This is a true testament to the sustainability of our stroke program. This year, we also received the 'advanced therapy' recognition for our endovascular care, or clot-removing through mechanical thrombectomy. This is such an amazing achievement and I'm so proud to be a part of this team."

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

"Only 222 hospitals nationwide have been given this award," Lecardo says.

"Stroke care depends on speed, accuracy and teamwork," says Daryl Story, MD, director of the Norwalk Hospital stroke program. "When patients arrive quickly, our team evaluates them, determines the right treatment and acts fast to help protect brain function and improve outcomes."

Stroke care is a team effort. At Norwalk Hospital, that team includes emergency medical services, emergency department staff, neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists and many others. Each role matters, from the first 911 call to diagnosis, treatment, recovery planning and rehabilitation.

Norwalk 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 to treat ischemic strokes by removing blockages in blood vessels and restoring blood flow to the brain. They also use this technology to treat conditions that can cause hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain, like an aneurysm. They perform these lifesaving procedures through tiny incisions in the wrist or thigh, helping patients recover quickly.

The American Heart Association award reflect dependable, quality care as well as stroke education. Norwalk Hospital helps people in Greater Norwalk lower their risk for stroke by maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing or managing diabetes, smoking cessations, eating well and exercising.

If stroke does happen, it's important for everyone to understand the signs of stroke using 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.

Every day, Norwalk Hospital's stroke team sees the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms quickly and getting patients to the right care without delay. Fast treatment can lead to better outcomes: It can help save a life — and preserve the quality of that life.

"Our goal is to help people in Greater Norwalk understand that stroke is an emergency, and that experienced, compassionate and advanced care is available close to home," says Lecardo.