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What we do
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in The United States, claiming the lives of approximately 730,000 people a year. The risk of having a stroke or experiencing stroke-like symptoms increases dramatically with age. An estimated one in 5,000 people aged 50 to 64 will suffer a stroke, and the odds continue to rise with age, peaking at one in every 50 people over the age of 85. Time is a critical factor in determining how well a stroke victim will do in the long run. During a stroke and the first few moments and hours afterward, precious brain cells can be deteriorating at a rapid rate. Anyone who is experiencing stroke-like symptoms is urged to call 911 for immediate medical assistance. In the event that a stroke is confirmed, it's comforting to know that Hackensack University Medical Center's Stroke Center is available with a full complement of state-of-the-art services for the crucial hours, days, and even years following the episode. The Stroke Center is the largest of its kind in Bergen County, and among the busiest in the nation, based on patient volume. Caring for more than 1,000 stroke victims annually, it is one of a few centers in the country certified by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as a primary stroke center. To earn this distinction, the center voluntarily undergoes an extensive on-site evaluation review by a team of Joint Commission reviewers once every two years. The Stroke Center practices and procedures are evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of the program's processes, the program's ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization, and interviews with patients and staff. Dedicated Acute Care Unit The Stroke Center at Hackensack University Medical Center offers a 12-bed acute stroke care unit with a dedicated nursing staff. The unit features 24 hour testing and monitoring services to detect and treat conditions as soon as they develop, in order to minimize complications and halt further deterioration whenever possible. Diagnostic testing services that are performed on the unit include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanning, carotid ultrasound, cardiac testing, and testing for clotting disorders. The unit's multidisciplinary healthcare team includes physicians, social workers, physical therapists, speech therapists, a head nurse, and advanced practice nurses specializing in the care of stroke patients. They conduct daily stroke rounds, where they evaluate each patient's care and progress to maximize quality.
Stroke education Knowing when to seek emergency attention for a possible stroke can potentially save lives. The Stroke Center is committed to raising public awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disorder and regularly holds seminars at the medical center and off-site lectures at community organizations and other public venues. In addition, the center offers quarterly educational meetings related to stroke for healthcare professionals in Bergen County and other counties nearby. Additional Services After the acute phase of stoke recovery has passed, The Stroke Center offers rehabilitation services for patients who are well enough to convalesce at home, including outpatient physical and speech therapy. Plans are currently underway for a dedicated outpatient stoke services program. |
