Susan Haasch
Educating the public about stroke prevention is key in reducing the
number of stroke-related injuries and death. It's vital for the
public to understand their risk factors for cardiovascular disease
and stroke, and to partner with their physician to reduce their risk.
It's also important for everyone to know the classic warning signs of
stroke and how critical it is to act immediately in obtaining
emergency care. Every second counts when it comes to surviving a stroke.
"Very few individuals experiencing a heart attack lay down and rest
in the hopes that their symptoms will subside," points out Hoag Neurology Hospitalist David Brown. M.D., medical director of Hoag's stroke program.
"Yet, that is exactly what many individuals do when they experience a
life-threatening stroke."
Such was the case for Susan Haasch - a devoted wife, mother and
active member of her church's women's group.
"I was at home working, when I suddenly felt the most painful
headache of my life," recalls Susan. "I had never had a migraine and
thought maybe that's what was happening."
Susan took something for the pain and like most people, was
completely unaware that she was experiencing one of the classic
symptoms of stroke. "I was very worried, so I took the phone with me
as I laid down in hopes that the pain would subside."
But it didn't. It got worse. Susan made a call to 9-1-1. "It took
everything I had just to get up and unlock the door for the paramedics."
Susan was brought to Hoag's Emergency Care Unit and by the time she
arrived, she could barely move her right arm. "I was really
frightened. I didn't know what was happening. I described what I was
feeling to the emergency room physician and he told me that they were
sending me for an immediate brain scan."
Minutes later, CT scanning revealed that Susan was in fact
experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke. She had a dangerous aneurysm that
was leaking blood into her brain.
Susan and her family listened intently as Michael Brant-Zawadzki M.D., Interventional Radiologist and medical director of radiology at Hoag, explained an innovative procedure called endovascular coiling.
"Because Susan's stroke was the result of an aneurysm, we discussed
the benefits of endovascular coiling in treating her condition,"
explains Dr. Brant-Zawadzki. "This innovative technique enables
physicians to non-surgically repair a brain aneurysm, thereby
reducing the risks associated with traditional surgery."
"I remember my family praying over me as we made the decision to
entrust my life to the team of physicians and nurses who would be
caring for me," shares Susan.
Their prayers were answered. The procedure was a success. And while
Susan lay recuperating in Hoag's Neuro Intensive Care Unit, her
family expressed their relief and gratitude to the stroke team who
had skillfully saved her life.
"We cannot put into words the gratitude we feel for the talented
physicians and nurses who cared for me," says Susan smiling. "They
were so caring and considerate, and made a point of staying in
constant communication with me and my family - reassuring us and
taking the time to answer all of our questions."
Today, Susan has completely recovered and is enjoying life to its
fullest - particularly the time she spends with her three-year-old
grandson.
"I feel blessed to have received the best possible care when I needed
it most," says Susan. "I hope by sharing my experience with others,
that more people will know what the symptoms of stroke are and
realize how important it is to get immediate emergency care."
We hope so too, Susan.
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