NYU First for Stroke Care

NYU Medical Center has become the first hospital in Manhattan to be designated a Primary Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health. This designation—similar to those used for burn and trauma centers—recognizes NYU for its outstanding efforts in stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research. As a result, any suspected stroke victim within 20 minutes of transport to NYU Medical Center will automatically be brought here by New York City’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS). This will help to ensure that such patients are treated by medical personnel who are specially trained and equipped to diagnose a stroke accurately and treat it promptly.

Strokes are the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability, notes Keith A. Siller, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the center. A stroke, or “brain attack,” is caused by interruption of the blood supply to the brain due to a clot (ischemic stroke) or leakage of a blood vessel into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).

Treatment for acute ischemic stroke includes the clot-busting drug rt-PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator). This medication is most effective when it’s administered within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms. Unfortunately less than 5 percent of those who suffer a stroke reach the hospital in time to be considered for this treatment. By designating selected hospitals as Primary Stroke Centers, the Department of Health hopes to significantly increase the number of stroke victims who receive rt-PA in time.

The Stroke Center integrates many services. In the Emergency Department, a new high speed CT scanner quickly pinpoints the part of the brain where therapy is needed. In the Acute Stroke Unit located on the east wing of the 17th floor of Tisch Hospital, specially- trained nurses provide 24-hour care. In the Rusk Institute, a 30-bed rehabilitation unit provides comprehensive services. The result is a seamless continuum of care.

The center is also focused on public education programs to identify individuals at risk, such as those who smoke, have hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.