A stroke is a brain attack; it occurs when the brain cannot receive enough oxygen or nutrients because a blood vessel burst (hemorrhagic stroke) or is clogged by a blood clot (ischemic stroke).
While stroke is the third leading cause of death in Hawaii and the number one cause of adult long-term disability, it was the furthest thing from Robin B., Sr.’s mind as he pulled his car out of a parking lot into Thanksgiving traffic.
Thanks to a good Samaritan recognizing Robin’s symptoms as signs of a stroke and informing the 911 operator, Queen’s multidisciplinary team of stroke specialists was standing by awaiting Robin’s arrival.
The stroke team rapidly diagnosed that Robin was having an ischemic stroke and was able to administer t-PA, a clot-busting drug, within 30 minutes of his arrival at the hospital—half the time of the national best practice of 60 minutes.
“By the next day, [Robin] was starting to speak and starting to move the right side,” said Dr. Cherylee Chang, Medical Director of the Queen’s Neuroscience Institute’s Comprehensive Stroke Center. “And by the following day, he was able to stand.”
Bond said, “People may not realize the effort put forth to ensure a patient like me not only survives a stroke, but can go back to having the same quality of life. Because of the care I received, I continue to enjoy the same activities I did before the stroke. It’s really the best possible outcome.”
Spot a Stroke
During a stroke, approximately 1.9 million brain cells are damaged every minute. Early recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate treatment to restore the blood flow could save your brain and your life.
If you believe you or a loved one are having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
To learn more about Hawaii’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center, visit the Neuroscience Institute.
