Every day for 14 years, Rhoda Berkowski cared for her mother in a nursing home who, after a stroke, was paralyzed her on one side. A series of strokes eventually took away her mother’s mobility and speech. Because of this experience, Mrs. Berkowski was familiar with the risk factors and symptoms of stroke.
Ironically, at the same age as her mother, Rhoda’s husband had to call 911 and have her rushed to Barnes-Jewish Hospital when she was experiencing a stroke.
“Although I didn’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol, I was overweight and inactive due to other medical problems,” Mrs. Berkowski says. “I didn’t think I was at risk for stroke.” “By the time the paramedics arrived my left side was paralyzed,” she says. “It was frightening and I could feel myself getting worse.”
The next thing Rhoda remembers is meeting Jin-Moo Lee, MD, PhD, a stroke specialist with the Stroke Center team at Barnes-Jewish. He explained what was happening to her and how intervention by the stroke team could prevent more neurological damage and potentially reverse the damage that had occurred. Dr. Lee discussed the treatment options available, one of which was tPA, the only FDA-approved Stroke drug. Barrnes-Jewish Hospital is one of only a handful of hospitals in the region administering this drug.
Rhoda and her family agreed to try tPA and within minutes, the medication was given as the team coordinated her medical care and explained to her family everything that was happening.
Team Speed and Precision
“We were astonished at the speed and precision of the team,” she says. “No time was lost, and my family and I were grateful for their compassion -- we truly felt ‘cared for’.”
Within 30 minutes of receiving tPA, Rhoda says her symptoms began improving.
“My left arm and the left side of my mouth returned to normal after being limp from the stroke,” she says. “I have no doubt as quickly as the stroke was disabling me that I would have been completely paralyzed on my left side if I hadn’t received immediate treatment. Dr. Lee and the stroke team saved my life.”
Continued Care
After being stabilized in the emergency room, Mrs. Berkowski was admitted to the 20-bed neuro-intensive care unit for 24-hour observation. She was then transferred to the neurology floor where she began intensive rehabilitation. After nearly three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, undergoing aggressive speech, occupational and physical therapy, Mrs. Berkowski went home. For the next few months she was visited by a home health nurse and today suffers no complications from the stroke. Dr. Lee still sees her regularly.
Importance of Early Treatment
Rhoda is a good example of how early intervention can increase a stroke patient’s chance for recovery. The acute Stroke Team arrives within minutes of a stroke patient being brought to the emergency room. This rapid response is essential in the effort to salvage brain tissue injured by stroke.
In an average of approximately 60 minutes of a stroke patient’s arrival, the stroke team is able to administer tPA, the only federally approved stroke drug, or any of a number of investigational interventions. The team has a proven record of reducing the complications of stroke.
To make an appointment with a doctor specializing in strokes, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll free 866-867-3627.