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Strokes Require Fast Action – Don’t Wait

Time is critical when it comes to stroke care. If you’re experiencing stroke symptoms, take immediate action and get to the emergency room. Catholic Health’s four designated stroke centers are devoted to patient safety and prepared to continue providing the highest quality care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because treating strokes faster in a safe environment is the right way to care.

Medical team rushing down hospital hallway

Why Choose the Catholic Health Stroke Care Network

Catholic Health’s Stroke Care Network is close by – circling the region – from Lewiston to South Buffalo, including the region’s only Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center at Mercy Hospital.

At Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, our physicians and staff with specialty training in the treatment of stroke are dedicated to treating the people in our region. Our Joint Commission certification as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center means that our patients receive:

  • Improved quality of care
  • A higher standard of service
  • Access to treatment for the most complex stroke cases
  • A dedicated neuro critical care unit that provides care 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week for complex stroke patients
  • Advanced-imaging capabilities
Doctor reviewing a brain scan with patient

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke).

Prior to a major stroke, people sometime experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA) in which a clot obstructs an artery for a short time and creates stroke-like symptoms. Since these “temporary” or “mini-strokes” last only minutes or hours, people often ignore them.

Go to the emergency room for any of these symptoms, even if they resolve. Follow up with your doctor to help prevent a debilitating stroke.

What Can You Do to Prevent a Stroke?

  • Keep your blood pressure low
  • Limit alcohol use
  • Get regular exercise
  • Eat healthy
  • Don’t smoke
  • Visit your doctor for an Atrial Fibrillation check-up
  • Take medication as prescribed by a physician
Senior man on a treadmill

Comprehensive Stroke Center at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo

Mercy Hospital of Buffalo is the only hospital in Buffalo certified as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the highest stroke designation available in the nation – and the only stroke center in Buffalo to receive this honor.

Why Choose Mercy Hospital of Buffalo for stroke care?

  • Equal emphasis on post-stroke care and neurologic rehabilitation
  • Dedicated inpatient stroke and neurocritical care units
  • Exceeds the national average in best practice measurements for:
    • Prescribing medication to prevent blood clots at discharge (99.8%)
    • Prescribing medication to lower cholesterol at discharge (98.2%)
    • Assessing for rehabilitation services at discharge (100%)
    • Giving medication for atrial fibrillation (98.9%)
  • 100% of stroke care patients say they would recommend Mercy Hospital for stroke care, according to a 2023 survey of 600 patients
  • 0 serious complications from carotid endarterectomy – compared to the national average of 1.4%

Stroke Care at Kenmore Mercy Hospital

Kenmore Mercy is the only hospital in Western New York with both a Primary Stroke Center certification from the Joint Commission and a Magnet designation. As Joy MacNeil, BSN, RN, SCRN, Stroke Care at Kenmore Mercy puts it, “our stroke care is comparable to a large academic medical center, but with a personal community hospital atmosphere.”

From the minute you arrive at Kenmore Mercy with a stroke-related emergency, know that our team of physicians and specialists see themselves as part of a bigger picture. Our treatment sets patients up for better functional outcomes and a stronger recovery.

  • Improved quality of care
  • A higher standard of service
  • Advanced-imaging capabilities
  • A dedicated stroke inpatient unit
  • Stroke prevention education

Stroke Care at Mount St. Mary's Hospital

At Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, we ensure you are receiving the best in stroke care offering you:

  • New York State designated Stroke Center
  • Skilled physicians providing you triage for acute strokes
  • 24 hours-a-day access to neurologists trained to diagnose and treat ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
  • Comprehensive stroke therapy services and after stroke care/therapy

From newly designed operating suites to outpatient rehabilitation facilities, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital is dedicated to providing world-class care to all of our patients at the area’s best stroke care facilities. Our facilities include:

  • A designated inpatient unit for stroke patients with specially-trained nurses and staff
  • Sub-acute rehabilitation for patients not yet ready to return home
  • Outpatient rehabilitation facilities

Risk Factors of a Stroke

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Variable Factors

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Heart disease, especially atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat)
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Poor diet: high fat, high cholesterol, high salt
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Drug abuse
  • Prior stroke or TIA

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Fixed Factors

  • Age – your chance of stroke doubles every 10 years after the age of 55
  • Family History -some strokes may be caused by genetic disorders
  • Gender – women who smoke and use birth control pills have increased risk of stroke, especially after age 35
  • Race – certain races have a higher likelihood of developing certain blood and vascular conditions which may lead to stroke.

Stroke Signs and Symptoms

Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. Therefore, every second counts. If a stroke is not treated immediately, the death of brain cells will lead directly to loss of function—paralysis, loss of speech, loss of vision and even death. Our five Stroke Centers are located throughout Western New York to get you the level of care you need as quickly as possible.

If you think you are experiencing stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately. Symptoms include:

  • Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body
  • Inability to hold arm upward
  • Facial droop, inability to smile
  • Un-explainable worst headache of life, light is bothersome, neck stiffness
  • Severe dizziness, loss of balance
  • Loss of normal vision
  • Confusion and problems with speech – can’t think of a word, can’t say a word
Patient getting tested for stroke symptoms

Wellness Resources

View All

» Occupational Therapy for Stroke Recovery

In the United States, someone suffers from a stroke every 40 seconds, that’s more than 750,000 cases each year. According to the CDC,...

» Read More

» Caring for a Stroke Survivor at Home

Strokes are one of the leading causes of long-term disability in Americans. For many primary caregivers of stroke survivors, adjusting to a...

» Read More

» What is Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini stroke”, occurs when a clot temporarily blocks a blood vessel. A TIA...

» Read More

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