Because minutes could mean the difference between recovery and permanent disability - even death - for stroke victims, Saint Clare's Health System offers new hope to stroke sufferers with the launch of Stroke Centers at Saint Clare's Hospitals in Denville and Dover. The centers provide advanced medical teams that quickly diagnose strokes and promptly begin treatment, increasing the chances of recovery.

Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. Symptoms include numbness of the face, arm or leg; confusion or dizziness; problems with balance, vision or speech; and a sudden severe headache.

When the vessel is blocked or bursts, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. When this happens, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect speech, vision and memory, and cause other problems.

The Centers, staffed by a team of specialized doctors, nurses and technologists under the guidance of Medical Director Paul Roberts, M.D., are ready to evaluate and treat strokes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To provide prompt diagnosis, treatment and intervention for stroke patients, program staff will provide immediate CT scans (within 25 minutes of arrival at the hospital) to assess the cause. Once determined, the Saint Clare's stroke teams develop a plan and begin treatment at once.

For stroke patients, inpatient beds have been dedicated at both locations, and has specially trained nurses are available to provide this unique, focused care. The Centers assign a patient liaison to each case, who, in turn, works with Saint Clare's rehabilitation centers to ensure continuity of care. The Centers also offer a comprehensive community education program focusing on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of strokes.

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