June 13, 2023
The Valley Hospital has changed the medication delivered to ischemic stroke patients in an emergency situation to one that can be delivered faster.
Two million brain cells die every minute during an ischemic stroke, according to the Stroke Awareness Foundation. This statistic puts into clear focus the need for stroke patients to receive clot-busting medication as quickly as possible to prevent brain damage, disability, or death.
Valley has switched from alteplase to tenecteplase (TNK). While both are tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) medications and are effective at breaking up clots, TNK offers two important time-saving benefits. First, it can be prepared more quickly because it is given as an IV dose without an infusion. Second, preparing the patient is faster because only one IV is needed instead of two.
There will be no change in eligibility criteria. Patients will continue to be treated up to four and a half hours after their stroke begins if they have no contraindications.
The Valley Hospital has been named among America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care by Healthgrades for the sixth year in a row. Valley’s team of board-certified neurologists, neurointerventionalists, neurosurgeons, and specialized nurses and technologists are committed to providing the highest level of stroke care in the area.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. It's important to know the BE FAST warning signs of stroke in order to get help immediately. Receiving medical attention quickly can drastically reduce the risk of disability from a stroke.
B: Balance loss
E: Eyes blur
F: Face drooping
A: Arm weakness
S: Speech difficulty
T: Time to call 911
For more information about stroke at Valley, please visit ValleyHealth.com/Stroke.