No stroke is ever the same. That’s because people—their brains, their nervous systems, their genetics—are all different. At Wellstar, we provide world-class stroke care for each and every patient when they need it most.
During a life-threatening stroke, parts of the brain may become damaged, causing long-term disability, permanent injury or even death. Our trained team understands how getting fast, expert stroke care can mean the difference between life, death or lasting damage.
Wellstar has one of the largest stroke networks in Georgia, so you’ll receive high-quality care wherever you go. Count on our medical experts to treat your stroke as quickly and safely as possible.
Category: Highlights
Expert Stroke Care at Wellstar
Spot signs of a stroke and BE FAST
Published on December 30, 2020
Last updated 08:23 AM May 24, 2024
Cutting-edge treatments
If you have a complicated or complex case, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center now offer the highest level of stroke treatment as Comprehensive Stroke Centers. Using a multidisciplinary approach, our cerebrovascular and neurocritical care team treats the most severe strokes effectively.
That means, no matter what Wellstar hospital you are in, you’ll always have access to expert care.
Our Comprehensive Stroke Centers offer many state-of-the art treatments and technologies, including neurointerventional biplane suites. This imaging provides 3D views of blood vessels deep within the brain for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional, Wellstar MCG Health and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers are designated as Comprehensive Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, Wellstar Spalding Medical Center and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center are designated as Primary Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health.
From diagnostic testing to life-saving emergency care to rehabilitation, Wellstar provides comprehensive stroke care so you can get back to life, faster.
Spotting a stroke starts with you
Learning the warning signs of a stroke may help you save a life—even your own. Remember to BE FAST, and get help immediately if you notice symptoms below.
- Balance—Look for sudden loss of balance or coordination. Symptoms can also include a sudden, severe headache or dizziness.
- Eyes—Ask if the person is having trouble seeing out of one or both eyes. This can also consist of blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision.
- Face—See if one side of the face is drooping or feeling numb. Check if the person’s smile appears uneven or lopsided.
- Arms—Watch for sudden arm weakness or numbness. See if the person can raise both arms without one drifting downward.
- Speech—Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking. You can have the person repeat a simple sentence to check their speech abilities.
- Time—Time is brain. Waiting to get care leads to lasting, irreversible brain damage. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay—call 911 right away.
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Wellstar PeopleCare | Beating Cancer Twice with Coordinated Care
David Butler’s cancer journey began when he underwent treatment for an aggressive head and neck cancer. Supported by his family, faith and a team of head and neck cancer specialists, he had part of his jaw removed and went through radiation therapy and intense rehabilitation.
A major setback
The same year of his jaw surgery and initial radiation course, David’s recovery was beginning to feel like “smooth sailing.” Just as life started to feel manageable again, he faced an unexpected challenge.
David and his wife, Jill, got devastating news: routine follow-up imaging revealed three new tumors on the other side of his neck and tongue. Dr. Fiyin Sokoya, David’s cancer surgeon, removed lymph nodes from David’s neck, had them biopsied and confirmed that it was an aggressive cancer.
At first, David felt so discouraged that he didn’t want to move forward with treatment.
However, seeing that a group of experts were working together to give him the best, evidence-based treatment path for his unique circumstance gave him confidence to renew his fight against cancer.
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Wellstar PeopleCare | Moving Fast, Working Together: Advanced Head & Neck Cancer Surgery Keeps David Smiling
David Butler's cancer journey took him through a rare jaw reconstruction, radiation and coordinated care from specialists across Wellstar. His care team collaborated to provide what he needed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A bothersome mouth sore
Lean and energetic, David is quick with a joke and even quicker with a smile. A neatly trimmed mustache frames a grin that lights up his blue eyes, illuminating his trademark optimism and humor. They’re qualities he kept intact throughout cancer treatment and draws on today, when he encourages people who are newly diagnosed with cancer.
It started with a sore on his gum in the fall of 2023. He assumed it would heal on its own. Instead, it got worse. When he could hardly swallow a few months later, his dentist referred him to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. That’s when he got the life-changing news: it was cancer.
“You hear the big C and it scares you to death,” David said. “But there's light at the end of the tunnel. There's always hope.”
What followed was cancer treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and support from a whole team of cancer specialists. Along the way, David said he leaned on his faith, the support of his wife, Jill, who he credits as his biggest advocate—and the expertise of Wellstar caregivers.
Highlights
When and Why to Visit the Pediatric Emergency Department
When your child experiences a medical emergency, you want them to have the care they need right away. At the five Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers, you’ll find expert treatment designed just for kids.
Why visit a Pediatric Emergency Department?
“We have a common saying in pediatric emergency medicine that ‘children aren’t just little adults.’ Children’s bodies and the health problems that affect them are very different from adults,” said Pediatric Emergency Physician Dr. Christopher Graves. “When you visit a pediatric ED, you can trust that your child is receiving age-appropriate evaluation and care.”
This can often mean finding a diagnosis through physical examinations and a thorough patient history with less reliance on invasive testing. When testing is needed, rest assured that your child’s care team has training in pediatric medicine and knows what tests and medications are needed to keep your child safe.
When should you go to the pediatric ED?
“If you feel your child is experiencing a life-threatening symptom such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction or bleeding that's hard to control, you should go to the ED or call 911. Remember to talk with your child's provider during your visits about when you should worry,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Sfeir. “Some things are age-specific—like a temperature at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above in a baby under 2 months absolutely needs to go to the ED. Don't wait to see your pediatrician in the morning.”
There may also be urgent care centers in your area. Urgent care can be a great option for non-life-threatening conditions such as common colds, mild flu-like symptoms or earaches. Read more about where to go when your child isn’t feeling well.
“Some families struggle to decide whether they should go to an ED or urgent care. I have always told families—you are never wrong to come to a pediatric ED,” Dr. Graves said. “If you are worried about the life or safety of your child, you’ve come to the right place.”
Introducing your pediatric ED team
When you come to a pediatric ED, you will meet healthcare providers who have chosen to make children their focus. Our care teams know that children have unique needs based on their social and emotional development. Pediatric ED doctors, nurses and advanced practice providers have years of experience working with children, and they have learned how to approach children in a way that reduces their anxiety and fear. Acts as simple as examining a stuffed animal or blowing up a glove into a balloon can turn a crying child into a smiling child.
Doctors are only one part of the team. Pediatric ED nurses have expertise in administering medications, placing IVs and performing other bedside procedures. When these types of interventions are needed, you can trust that the nurses, medics and ED techs who help with these processes have abundant experience.
“Children are special and should be treated by nurses that specialize in their care. Emergency rooms can be a scary place for children and families,” said Jacqueline Rimer, a Wellstar pediatric emergency department nurse. “Wellstar pediatric nurses combine compassion and expertise to create an environment that reduces fear and anxiety while also providing quality, specialized care children and families deserve.”
Our child life specialists are trained to work directly with children and families to offer education, emotional support and distraction during procedures. Coming to the pediatric ED is tough for many kids, but having the right team can make things a little easier. That makes all the difference.