Certified Stroke Center

Caused by a shortage of blood flow to the brain, strokes are the leading cause of serious, long term disability in the United States.  Time is crucial in the treatment of stoke:  the earlier a stoke is recognized, the earlier medical treatment can be administered and the greater a patient's chances of survival and recovery.  In recognition of this crucial element, Decatur General implemented a stroke program designed to meet the immediate needs of stroke patients and improve stroke outcomes for our community.

Decatur General was the very first hospital in the state to be certified as a stroke center by the Joint Commission; earning its Gold Seal of Approval and it is one of two hospitals in the state accredited as a Primary Stroke Center.  In 2009, Decatur General was awarded the Silver Performance Achievement Award from the American Stroke Association.  Hospitals receiving this award have reached an aggressive goal of treating stroke patients with 85% or higher compliance to core standard levels of care for 12 consecutive months.

The program is managed by Dr. Stephen Suggs and a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals including our medical staff, nurses, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, and emergency personnel.  Dr. Suggs is one of three neurologists in the state recognized as Fellow of the American Heart Association and is a member of their Stroke Council.  Recently, he became one of eight neurologists in the state to earn an additional board certification in Vascular Neurology. 

Decatur General's stroke program also includes a level of community education on stroke designed to alert the public about the symptoms and importance of seeking immediate treatment.  Stroke Symptoms include:

• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (Especially on one side)
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Each year, about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death.  On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes.  Educating the public and responding quickly are the best defenses against stroke.  "With a stroke, time lost is brain lost," said Dr. Stephen Suggs.  "Decatur General's comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke is a critical step in saving lives and improving outcomes for these patients."