Mary Washington Hospital has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission
since 2009 and provides stroke patients with the highest level of treatment
and services according to national standards.
Stafford Hospital earned The Joint Commission designation as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital in 2024. This esteemed recognition signifies the hospital's commitment
to providing high-quality, timely care for stroke patients, marking a
significant milestone in the ongoing effort to serve our community's health needs.
We are dedicated to maintaining this quality stroke care across the health
system with education and prevention programs and continuum of care from
hospitalization through rehabilitation. You will be evaluated, treated,
and will recover under the care of an interdisciplinary team of healthcare
professionals trained to ensure that each stroke patient receives the
highest level of care.
The City of Fredericksburg was the first locality in the region to be designated
as a Stroke Smart City, encouraging people to learn the signs of stroke
so they can identify when one happens and immediately call 911. Spot a
Stroke, Stop a Stroke, Save a Life.
Stafford County was just named a Stroke Smart County in May 2025.
What is a Stroke?
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults and the fourth leading
cause of death. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable by managing
risk factors. When a stroke occurs, quick recognition and treatment can
give you or a loved one the best chance of a full recovery.
Also known as a “brain attack”, stroke occurs when a blood
clot blocks an artery that supplies blood flow to the brain or when a
blood vessel breaks interrupting the flow of blood to an area of the brain.
Strokes are classified as ischemic (the most common) or hemorrhagic.
Ischemic stroke facts
About 87 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes
Caused by blockage of an artery that impairs blood flow to part of the
brain causing cells and tissues to die from lack of oxygen
Blockage can come from a blood clot in the blood vessels inside the brain
(thrombotic stroke) or from a blood clot or plaque debris that develops
elsewhere in the body and travels to one of the blood vessels in the brain
(embolic stroke)
Hemorrhagic stroke facts
About 13 percent of strokes are caused when a blood vessel that supplies
the brain ruptures and bleeds.
This hemorrhagic stroke builds up pressure in surrounding tissues causing
irritation and swelling.
When the bleeding is from blood vessels within the brain it is called an
intracerebral hemorrhage. This is usually caused by high blood pressure
and the bleeding occurs suddenly and often results in coma or death. When
the bleeding is in the space between the brain and the membranes that
cover the brain, it is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This type of
hemorrhage often results from bleeding due to an aneurysm or an arteriovenous
malformation (AVM) (a disorder present at birth).
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability
in America.
About 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke this year, yet most Americans
cannot identify stroke symptoms or risk factors. Many strokes can be prevented
through risk factor management.
Every minute a stroke goes on untreated, 1.9 million brain cells die.
Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, on average.
Women are twice as likely to die from stroke than breast cancer annually.
There are many manageable risk factors for stroke, including: high blood
pressure, weight control, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, atrial
fibrillation and transient ischemic attack (TIA).
It’s important to understand stroke symptoms and response. Time is
a very urgent factor when it comes to stroke. Emergency treatment is available
if a stroke is recognized fast and 9-1-1 is called. The faster a person
having a stroke is taken to the hospital, the better chance of them receiving
emergency treatment that can reduce or even reverse the symptoms of stroke.
Stroke will cost the United States an estimated $73.7 billion in 2010.
Stroke incidence rate in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians.
You can save a loved one from death or disability by learning to recognize
the symptoms of stroke. "BEFAST” and call 9-1-1 immediately
at any sign of a stroke.
Balance - see if the person is not walking straight or walking wobbly
Eyes - ask if the person has blurry vision or is experiencing double vision.
Face - ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms - ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech - ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time - if you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!
Note the time that symptoms first appear. If given within three hours of
the first symptoms, an FDA-approved clot-busting drug may reduce long-term
disability for the most common form of stroke.
Common symptoms of stroke in men and women
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 experience any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately. Note the
time, it may be important in determining treatment.
Many people believe that stroke only occurs in the elderly and cannot be
prevented. Both are myths! Stroke can occur at any age, and there are
risk factors that you can control.
Top five ways to prevent stroke:
Control high blood pressure: the #1 way to prevent stroke! Levels higher than 120/80 can put you at risk.
Eat healthy: fruits, veggies, and whole grains make a difference.
Stay active: exercise keeps your heart strong. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least five
days a week. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Watch your cholesterol: keep arteries clear and blood flowing. An LDL of 100 or less is optimal
and a total cholesterol of less than 200 is desirable.
Maintain a healthy weight: every step counts!
Here are some other ways you can reduce your risk of stroke:
Stop smoking: If you smoke, stop. Smoking nearly doubles your risk for stroke.
Manage your diabetes: Manage diabetes closely to avoid complications that could result in a stroke.
Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, so no more
than two drinks per day!
Get treatment for atrial fibrillation: Tell your doctor if you experience heart palpitations. An irregular heartbeat,
called atrial fibrillation (Afib), can lead to blood clot formation and
increase your risk for stroke by nearly 500%!
Get treatment for TIA (Transient Ischemic Attacks): TIA symptoms, “mini strokes” are just like a stroke but may
come and go. Having a TIA can be a sign that something is wrong. Call
your doctor immediately!
Source: National Stroke Association
“I thought I did not have time to have a stroke. I was too busy to
have a stroke. I have a full time job, I’m raising three children,
I’m just too busy to have a stroke. A stroke happens to people who
aren’t busy, people who are ill, people who are older. People who
aren’t me.”
~ Andrea McCauley, stroke survivor
The Mary Washington Hospital Primary Stroke Center uses the most advanced
imaging technology for stroke patients.
Our latest addition is an artificial intelligence (AI) mobile platform
which provides real-time access for ED physicians, radiologists, and neurologists.
This allows the team to evaluate images and evaluate images and determine
patient treatment quickly and simultaneously, even when off-site.
Stroke Treatment
A stroke requires emergency medical treatment! The specific treatment for
stroke depends on the type of stroke and the duration of your symptoms.
Your age, overall medical status and tolerance for various treatments
is also considered. Your caregiver will rapidly assess you and begin appropriate
treatment. A combination of medications and surgical treatments may be
used. The goals of treatment include:
Eliminate clotting
Reduce or eliminate swelling in the brain
Protect the brain from damage and lack of oxygen
Stroke Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgical treatment may be used to remove plaque and clots
from the arteries to prevent stroke. A stent may also be placed in the
carotid artery (in the neck).
A craniotomy (brain surgery) may be performed to remove clots and repair
bleeding in the brain. Other surgeries include repair of aneurysms and
artery defects that could impact blood flow to the brain.
For more information about either of our support groups, please contact
Susan Halpin, RN, Stroke Coordinator, at
540.741.4815 or
susan.halpin@mwhc.com
Stroke Support Group
Mary Washington Healthcare’s Stroke Support Group has provided ongoing
resource support for stroke survivors and their families or caregivers
for over ten years. The Stroke Support Group meets on the first Tuesday
of every month, 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. There is a virtual option as
well for those who would prefer to attend on Zoom. See flyer below for details.
John F. Fick, III Conference Center
1301 Sam Perry Boulevard
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The Aphasia Support Group is for stroke survivors and people with brain
injuries resulting in aphasia or apraxia. Family members, friends and
caregivers who struggle to communicate with their loved ones are also invited.
1st and 3rd Tuesdays
11:00 a.m.–noon
Tompkins-Martin Medical Plaza, Classroom E
1101 Sam Perry Blvd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Learn more about the stroke program at Mary Washington Healthcare and meet
Jessica Boyce, a young stroke survivor who now volunteers as a stroke
educator and is an active member of the stroke support group.
A Primary Stroke Center earns accreditation through intensive evaluations.
Staff at a Primary Stroke Center continuously improve their efficiency
and effectiveness in treating strokes from the initial emergency treatment
through to recovery and rehabilitation.
The Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded by
the Joint Commission, an independent non-profit organization that accredits
and certifies healthcare organizations and programs, to recognize centers
that follow the best practices for stroke care. Programs applying for
advanced certification must meet the requirements for Disease-Specific
Care Certification plus additional, clinically specific requirements and
expectations.
At
Mary Washington Hospital, we’re committed to providing stroke care that aligns with the latest
research-based treatment guidelines. Studies show patients can recover
better when these guidelines are consistently followed.
American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get with the Guidelines®–Stroke Quality Achievement Award
Mary Washington Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center has received the
American Heart Association’s
Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke
patients receive the most appropriate treatment that is research-based,
guideline directed and in a timely manner, ultimately leading to more
lives saved reducing both death and disability. Mary Washington Hospital
also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™
Honor Roll award.
Stafford Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s
Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke
patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally
recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives
saved and reduced disability.
In addition to treating stroke patients within the hospital, the MWH Stroke
team is dedicated to providing the communities we serve with valuable
information on stroke education and prevention, including recognizing a stroke.
If you have a group or organization that’s interested in learning
more about stroke, call Susan Halpin, RN, Stroke Coordinator, at
540.741.4815 or
susan.halpin@mwhc.com.
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A Primary Stroke Center earns accreditation through intensive evaluations.
Staff at a Primary Stroke Center continuously improve their efficiency
and effectiveness in treating strokes from the initial emergency treatment
through to recovery and rehabilitation.
