UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program Media Press Release

UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program Media Press Release

Media Press Release
Join the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program in educating Arkansans about stroke signs and symptoms on World Stroke Day

For more information contact:
Olivia Wilson, MS, CHES
Stroke Program Manager
OWilson2@uams.edu

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2022

Little Rock, Ark. – In 2016, Arkansas had the fourth-highest death rate from acute stroke in the United States per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In recognition of World Stroke Day on Saturday, October 29, 2022, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Stroke Program encourages all Arkansans to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke and to call 9-1-1 immediately if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms.

The UAMS IDHI Stroke Program is a telemedicine program that connects emergency room doctors from 60 sites across Arkansas to a stroke neurologist via a live, two-way video so that even patients in rural areas can receive stroke care 24 hours a day. The program provides stroke patients with necessary, timely care by a vascular neurologist, which is required for good outcomes.
Learning the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. can help you learn stroke signs and symptoms and help save a life:

B – Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance?
E – Eyes: Is there a sudden change in vision in one or both eyes?
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or look uneven?
A – Arm Weakness: Does one arm feel weak of drift downward?
S – Speech Difficulty: Does their speech sound strange or slurred?
T – Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and get them to the nearest stroke-ready hospital immediately.

Stroke risk factors include:
• High blood pressure
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Atrial fibrillation (Afib)
• Smoking
• Family History

It is important to follow up with a primary care physician on a yearly basis, especially if you have any stroke risk factors.

Statistics show that Arkansans are at a higher risk of death from stroke compared to residents of most other states. Where you live should not determine whether you live or whether you die.

Fortunately, in Arkansas, a stroke patient can get the same level of life-saving care in their hometown hospital as in a large metropolitan hospital thanks to the IDHI Stroke Program and 60 excellent hospitals throughout the state.

For more information about stroke or the UAMS IDHI Stroke Program, please visit: https://arsaves.uams.edu/