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Stroke & Cerebrovascular Care in Northern Virginia
Stroke symptoms: Learn the signs and respond FAST
F - FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A - ARMS - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S - SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a single phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T - TIME - Call 911 immediately if you observe any of these or similar signs.
Why is it so important to call 911 if someone is having a stroke?
"Time is brain," points out Laura Buhler, RN, facilitator of Inova's
stroke support group at Inova Fairfax Hospital. "It's important to seek medical care with the very first signs of stroke symptoms,” Buhler says. "We can administer tPA, but only within the first three hours of stroke onset – or up to four and a half hours in certain patients. A mechanical thrombectomy may be beneficial within six hours of stroke onset or, for some patients under certain conditions, up to 24 hours of onset."
Inova provides life-saving treatments for stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases
Any interference with blood flow to our brain is a life-threatening cerebrovascular condition. Stroke is one of the most commonly known types of cerebrovascular disease and claims the lives of thousands of Americans every year – nearly one person every 40 seconds.
Fortunately, the specialists in the Inova Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Program, teamed with Inova's award-winning hospitals for stroke care, have the expertise to effectively diagnose and treat stroke and other vascular conditions.
Joint Commission Designated Stroke Centers
Inova Alexandria Hospital is a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TCS). This designation certifies that Inova Alexandria meets the rigorous standards for performing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Inova Alexandria was the fourth hospital in the country to receive this new advanced stroke certification from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, Inova Loudoun Hospital and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital have all earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for stroke care and have been designated as Primary Stroke Centers. This certification by The Joint Commission recognizes facilities that make exceptional efforts to meet the unique needs of stroke patients and foster better outcomes for stroke care.
Inova's extensive diagnostic and treatment options include sophisticated minimally invasive technology and advanced imaging performed by our skilled interventional neuroradiolgists and endovascular surgeons. Post treatment, Inova's comprehensive and regionally recognized rehabilitation programs further recovery and help patients return to normal activities.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Center
To make an appointment with Dr. Comerota, call 703-207-7007.
Stroke Survivors and Caregivers
Get information about support groups