Also See: Know the Warning Signs of Stroke (09/20) Thompson Cancer Survival Center Launches Cancer Resource Line (09/20) September School of Good Health (09/06) Facilities and Programs: Parkwest Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center The Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center - Stroke (CVA) Program May 1999 was Stroke Awareness Month Covenant Health stroke network formed Brain Attack and the Covenant Health Stroke Network, by Dr. Eugenio Vargas Methodist PT Department Focuses on Stroke Rehabilitation Physical Therapy at Methodist Medical Center Covenant Health Stroke Information: Healthiest Way Station - Brain Attack Breakthrough Health Information Library: Stroke

"The earlier we can intervene, the better the outcome," explains Bert Toney, M.D., who specializes in emergency medicine and is medical director for the emergency department at Parkwest Medical Center. "Time is brain."

For Kenneth Green, 57, of Madisonville, quick action made a difference in his recovery. After having a stroke in July and being treated at Fort Sanders Parkwest, he now knows how vital it is to be aware of the warning signs.

"Look for the signs and see a doctor," Green says. "If it is a stroke, get treatment as fast as you can."

Upon his arrival at the emergency room, doctors determined Green was a candidate for the drug tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator). Used primarily in the treatment of heart attacks to dissolve blood clots blocking arteries, tPA can be effective for some stroke patients by restoring blood flow to the brain. The drug must be administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms, so quick assessment and action is essential.

"The most important thing individuals and family members can do is to learn the warning signs of stroke," says Vicki Underwood, director of neuroscience at Fort Sanders Regional and Parkwest Medical Centers.

Both hospitals, along with Rural/Metro of Tennessee and Fort Sanders Loudon Emergency Medical Services, are participating in a major new clinical collaborative on rapid assessment and treatment for stroke patients. The goal is to determine how response times and initial treatments can result in improved functional ability and quality of life for stroke victims.

"Early diagnosis of stroke is the key to preventing long-term disability," explains Dr. Toney. "By working with ambulance personnel, we are improving our methods and response times and are better prepared to treat stroke."

The collaborative, which is sponsored by VHA, a national alliance of community-based health care organizations, began July 1 and will continue through December.