Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 8)

ONLINE Visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stroke to learn more about how Gwinnett Medical Center is leading the way in stroke care and rehabilitation. Go to the Stroke Care Experts patterns, speech, language, swallowing, memory and movement can all be affected. The stroke survivor’s will to recover and support from his or her family are essential for successful rehabilitation. Jaynil had the determination to do whatever it took to recover, and his family was by his side the entire time.” The family credits many factors for Shah’s remarkable recovery. “Willpower,” says his aunt, Jayshree Amin. “And lots of love from his family and from the hospital staff,” his mother adds. “We were so happy that he was at Gwinnett Medical Center.” “It’s like a miracle,” his uncle says, “but at the same time he got the best treatment and care.” into the gym wearing his trademark baseball cap, everyone cheers for him because the staff and patients remember how far he’s come. They’re all amazed.” AHEAD OF THE CURVE Shah played football at Brookwood High School, graduating in 2007. His family says his athleticism and outgoing personality have helped in his recovery. “The original recovery estimate was nine to 12 months,” says Shah’s uncle, Dilip Patel. “But by late December, he was already at 80 percent leg and hand strength. He’s still working on balance, but he can walk by himself. They are giving him a lot of work to do at home.” By February, ﬁve months after his stroke and car accident, Shah’s outpatient rehabilitation tapered off, and he began working out with a personal trainer to continue his physical recovery. “Stroke survivors have complex rehabilitation needs,” Dr. Bhole says. “The senses, behavioral and thought NEW RESEARCH IS PROMISING Marshall L. Nash, M.D., FAHA, CPI, medical director of the Center for Neuroscience at Gwinnett Medical Center, has conducted more than 100 major research trials focused on discovering new treatments for stroke and other neurological diseases and conditions. Currently, the most exciting stroke trial he is conducting focuses on a treatment for ischemic stroke, which occurs because of an obstruction in a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The treatment, PhotoThera, provides infrared laser light to the brain to activate the mitochondria in the cells to turn adenosine diphosphate into adenosine triphosphate, the energy used by cells, which would increase brain tissue survival. “A previous trial showed a strong trend toward improved outcomes,” Dr. Nash says. “The results are sometimes incredible. A patient with aphasia [speech In just a few months, Jaynil Shah had most of his leg and hand strength back following his stroke. impairment] will start speaking partway through the treatment. Or someone who couldn’t move his arm will begin to move it.” The PhotoThera study at Gwinnett Medical Center began in October 2010 and is expected to continue 18 to 24 months. “If someone has a numb hand or slurred speech, or some other symptom of a stroke, it is imperative to call 911,” Dr. Nash says. “TPA, the only federally approved drug to stop a stroke, has to be used within four hours of the attack. PhotoThera potentially gives us a way to help stroke patients up to 24 hours after the attack. The faster you get medical treatment at a stroke care center, the better your chances are.” 8 Vim & Vigor · FALL 2 011 http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stroke

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil's Feature
So Long, Suffering
The Will to Recover
Healthy Hues
The New Survivors
First (Aid) Things First
Find Your Groove
A Healthy Tune
Stay in Circulation
‘X’ Marks the Spot
Pregnancy Predictors
Play It Safe
Prime Time Health
Full Strength
Lifesaving Gift
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2011 - Gwinnett Medical Center