First seminar on stroke held at GRH for World Stroke Day
Posted Oct 29, 2014 10:59:28 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Today is World Stroke Day and Grand River Hospital is inviting the public to attend a free seminar. “Spotlight on Stroke” will feature patients, care providers and community groups and runs from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. today.
Director of Communications at Grand River Hospital, Mark Karjaluoto, tells 570 News the goal of today’s presentation is to connect those living with stroke or caring for someone who has suffered a stroke with valuable community resources. 870 people living in Waterloo Region will suffer a stroke each year and fast care and rehabilitation is vital to surviving, Karjaluoto explains.
“If they don’t get care fast or don’t get into appropriate rehab quickly, they could die or face very serious complications.”
Grand River Hospital is the Region’s source for fast and effective stroke care, Karjaluoto explains and adds the hospital provides services well above the provincial standard.
“Within an hour, which is better than the provincial standard, we can get someone a CT Scan, their assessment and clot-busting medication if appropriate, and that can make a real difference if someone has a stroke.”
Karjaluoto stresses that calling 9-1-1 at the first sign of stroke symptoms is critical.
Common symptoms of stroke:
- Vision changes
- Dizziness
- Weakness/numbness
- Trouble speaking
- A severe headache
For more information on Grand River Hospital’s district stroke centre click here.
