Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. right after heart attacks and cancer. Survival often depends upon early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Where you are treated can also make a difference. A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that some medical centers are better equipped to treat strokes than others. People who go immediately to a hospital that has a specialized stroke center are more likely to get brain-preserving care in a timely fashion. Although the overall death rates are not dramatically different with other hospitals, outcomes were statistically significant. Ultimately, though, getting prompt care is the most important factor in a good stroke outcome, so getting to a hospital quickly is paramount.
[JAMA, online Jan. 25 2011]
The People's Perspective on Medicine