Stroke Team

Doylestown Health Stroke Services offers advanced care to help limit the damage caused by a stroke. Learn more about our team of stroke experts, including Emergency Department physicians, interventional cardiologists, neurologists, radiologists, lab and pharmacy.

How the Stroke Team Responds in an Emergency

• When a call is made to 911, emergency personnel are trained to assess potential stroke. First responders notify the Doylestown Health Emergency Department of a suspected stroke victim and the acute stroke team is put on alert.
• At the Emergency Department, the stroke team confirms whether the person is experiencing a stroke or another medical emergency. A brain scan checks for bleeding.
• If a stroke is confirmed, and it has been 3 hours or less since the first symptoms appeared, the patient may be treated with a clot-busting drug called tPA. Strict criteria apply and not all stroke patients are eligible.
• Different treatment is recommended if the patient is not eligible for tPA. Through a clinical partnership with Jefferson University Hospital, some stroke patients who could benefit from advanced neurosurgical interventions can be immediately transported via helicopter to Philadelphia for treatment.
• If needed, the patient is admitted to in an inpatient unit with nurses specifically trained in stroke care.
• Following a stroke, other hospital services may be recommended, including occupational, speech and physical therapies.
• Social workers help the patient and family assess their needs after discharge.
• Monthly support group meetings assist patients and families during recovery and beyond.

Remember: Stroke is a medical emergency . . . time is brain!