Defeating Pain with Successful Spine Surgeries at Wellstar

When it comes to strokes, seconds can mean the difference between life, death and lasting damage. That’s why Wellstar Health System is dedicated to developing faster, more effective stroke treatments not just for Georgians, but people across the nation.

Recently, Wellstar Director of Stroke & Neurocritical Care Dr. Rishi Gupta helped test a groundbreaking device to treat complex ischemic strokes, working alongside UCLA’s Dr. Jeffrey Saver and device manufacturer Rapid Medical.

During a two-year period, patients in 16 medical centers across the country were enrolled in a clinical trial to develop the state-of-the-art stroke treatment, with Wellstar registering the highest number of participants.

Dr. Gupta’s efforts will have a profound impact on stroke treatment moving forward, as Wellstar continues to lead the pack when it comes to neuro care.

“Wellstar is on the cutting-edge of many new stroke technologies and therapies, through our participation in groundbreaking clinical trials,” Dr. Gupta explained. “Our research not only brings patients in Georgia the most advanced stroke treatments close to home, but can help save more lives across the country.”

Now, neurointerventionalists nationwide will have access to the new, FDA-approved technology called TIGERTRIEVER™ to help stop strokes faster and improve patient outcomes.

For many people, the warning signs of a stroke — like numbness in the arm, confusion, loss of balance or trouble speaking and seeing — are unmistakable. But often, the underlying cause of these life-threatening medical events can be harder to uncover.

“Strokes are complicated because there’s no pain associated with it,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Many people think they can sleep it off and they’ll be better in the morning.”

“However, if you are experiencing the signs of a stroke, the faster you get to the emergency room, the more likely it is that we can reverse disability.”

While the telltale symptoms may be similar to one another, all strokes are not alike.

At Wellstar, we know each and every stroke is different. That’s why our neuro team provides tailored care along with fast, life-saving treatment for all types of strokes, even the most complex cases.

Fight back against strokes and learn the difference between the three main types: ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attack.

A stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. In fact, every four minutes someone in the United States experiences a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During Stroke Awareness Month this May, Wellstar health experts are spreading the word about how they’re helping Georgians can stay ahead of these life-threatening medical events.

“Because we live in the stroke belt here in Georgia, it is imperative we provide cutting-edge care for stroke victims,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Wellstar’s ability to leverage our hospitals to work as one, cohesive unit and provide the same quality of care across the board really sets our health system apart.”

With the largest Joint Commission stroke-certified network in Georgia and access to advanced stroke care, Wellstar is dedicated to treating strokes faster and more effectively. But while we’re always ready to jump into action with life-saving treatments, stopping a stroke starts with you.

Do your part to lower the risk of a stroke and learn the warning signs that may help save a life.