Breast Cancer, Busy Lives and the Health We Put Last
Medically reviewed by Fawaz Al-Mufti, MD, FAHA, FSVIN
With stroke, every second matters.
During Stroke Awareness Month, a recent case at MidHudson Regional Hospital is a powerful reminder of how rapid response, clinical expertise and advanced technology can come together to save and restore a life.
A Life-Threatening Emergency
The patient arrived in critical condition, experiencing a severe stroke caused by a blockage in one of the major arteries supplying the brainstem. Upon arrival, they were comatose, facing potentially devastating and life-threatening consequences.
Stroke can profoundly disrupt brain function. Depending on the area affected, patients may experience loss of consciousness, difficulty moving or speaking, impaired vision, memory challenges or an inability to process sensory information. In the most severe cases, stroke can permanently alter a person’s independence and quality of life.
Acting Fast With Advanced Treatment
The care team at MidHudson Regional Hospital moved quickly.
First, clot-busting medication, also known as thrombolytic therapy, was administered to begin restoring blood flow. Then, the Neurosciences team performed a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot. During the procedure, they used the TIGERTRIEVER™ 17, an adjustable stent retriever designed for acute ischemic stroke, to engage and remove the clot, with the goal of restoring blood flow to the brain as quickly and safely as possible.
A Remarkable Turnaround
The results were extraordinary. Shortly after the procedure and before being removed from breathing support, the patient showed no major signs of stroke-related disability. They had gone from being comatose on arrival to demonstrating a near-complete recovery.
It’s the kind of outcome that underscores what’s possible when expert care is delivered without delay.
Innovation Meets Teamwork
This case reflects more than just advanced technology; it highlights the coordination, precision and dedication of a multidisciplinary care team working seamlessly under pressure.
It also represents an important milestone for MidHusdon Regional Hospital: The patient was the first enrolled at the site in the COGNITIVE Trial, a national investigator-initiated study for which Fawaz Al-Mufti, MD, FAHA, FSVIN, serves as principal investigator. Dr. Al-Mufti is a neuroendovascular surgeon at Westchester Medical Center and a professor at New York Medical College. The trial reflects WMCHealth’s growing role in leading national neurointerventional research while bringing innovative stroke care closer to home for patients in the Hudson Valley.
Know the Signs of Stroke
While stories like this are inspiring, they also serve as a critical reminder: Recognizing stroke symptoms early can save lives.
The acronym BE FAST can help:
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Vision changes or loss
F – Face: Facial drooping
A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
T – Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately
If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve, and do not drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital. Prompt medical attention can make all the difference in reducing long-term damage and improving recovery.
Care Close to Home
Moments like this demonstrate what’s possible when innovation, expertise and compassion come together. For patients and families, it means access to life-saving, advanced stroke care right here in the community.
And for the team at MidHudson Regional Hospital, it’s a reminder of why every second counts and every patient matters.