Emergency Stroke Care

IF YOU THINK YOU’RE HAVING A STROKE CALL 911 or get to Mary Washington Hospital’s Emergency Department within 3 hours of symptoms.

 Why 3 Hours

TIME IS BRAIN.  Two million brain cells die every minute in a stroke.  Suspected stroke patients that present to a Primary Stroke Center within three hours of last known well (without stroke symptoms) have a greater chance of recovering from a stroke with less disability. Once a patient has been identified by our clinical staff as having had a stroke, a drug called t-PA can be administered.  t-PA is an FDA approved clot busting drug for stroke that can provide life saving blood flow back to the brain. 

 Stroke Signs and Symptoms

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you notice any of these symptoms call 911.  Treatment can be more effective if given quickly.  Time is brain!

Why MWH Emergency Department

As the only designated Primary Stroke Center in the region, Mary Washington Hospital has proven its effectiveness in the recognition, treatment and recovery of stroke patients. 

As a part of the MWH Stroke team, the Emergency Department has a formal process (Code Neuro) in place to assess the patient, call in the appropriate disciplines including an on-site neurologist, do the appropriate testing and administer the t-PA, if needed

 Learn more about Mary Washington Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center .