Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Reminds You to Be Fast When It Comes to Stroke Awareness

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the nation's fifth-leading cause of death, and is a leading cause of adult disability. When the brain is under attack by a stroke, getting the right treatment as quickly as possible is critical. As part of the first Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center in the state, your local team at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center is specially trained to do just that. Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center is a Level II designated trauma center, DNV GL Healthcare Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center – backed by the Memorial Hermann Health System and Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

For stroke patients, proximity to quality care can mean the difference between a full recovery and a life-changing event. Memorial Hermann The Woodlands has the dedicated Neurosciences Patient Care Unit with a neuroscience intensive care unit, and its affiliated Mischer Neuroscience Associates clinic on campus to provide you with convenient access to innovative neurological care—on one campus, from diagnosis, imaging and management of neurological conditions to physical therapy, pain management and neurological surgery.

Memorial Hermann is here for any recovery needs too. Both inpatient and outpatient medical rehabilitation services are available at TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands, located on the Memorial Hermann The Woodlands campus. TIRR Memorial Hermann* is nationally known for its comprehensive, personalized neuro-rehabilitation for medical conditions, such as stroke and brain and spinal cord injuries, and neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Learn more about stroke during a free, live Stroke Awareness and Latest Advances Q&A Webinar on Tuesday, May 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. Join guest speakers UTHealth Houston Neurosciences physicians affiliated with Mischer Neuroscience Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Sunil Sheth, MD, and Anjail Sharrief, MD, who regularly use advanced technology to quickly diagnose and treat stroke patients.

• Stroke risk factors

• Signs and symptoms of stroke

• Have the opportunity to ask questions during the live Q & A

RSVP by calling 713.222.CARE (2273) or going online at memorialhermann.org/stroke-webinar

Time is brain, so recognizing your risk factors and being aware of symptoms is key. Call 911 if you or someone you know has symptoms of stroke. Brain function can be saved if you are having a stroke and get help quickly. The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. can be helpful in remembering the warning signs and taking the appropriate action.

• BALANCE: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

• EYES: Is there sudden double or blurred vision and/or sudden trouble seeing that persists?

• FACE: Ask the person to smile. Is one or both sides drooping?

• ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one side drift downward? Weakness or numbness on one side?

• SPEECH: Does the person have slurred/garbled speech? Can he/she repeat simple phrase?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately and note time symptoms began.