If you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, time is of the essence. That's why it's good to know you don't have to leave Maui for excellent stroke care.
Maui Memorial Medical Center is recognized by The Joint Commission as a Certified Primary Stroke Center. We're also an American Stroke Association "Get With the Guidelines" Gold Plus, Target: Stroke Honor Roll Award recipient. The award is one of the highest achieved by a Hawaii hospital and means we have the medical knowledge and abilities to treat all kinds of stroke 24/7, with access to a Maui neurologist at any time of the day or night. We are the best hospital for stroke treatment on Maui.
During stroke, time lost is brain lost
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a bleed or a clot. The longer a stroke continues, the more damage to brain. That's why it's said that during a stroke, time lost is brain lost.
Clots cause most strokes. For these, a drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can break up the clot and stop a stroke in its tracks—but the drug needs to be given within a certain window of time. Maui Memorial Medical Center has excellent door-to-treatment times when it comes to administering tPA to stroke patients.
We also offer treatment for all types of strokes using interventional radiology and neurosurgery.
All these treatments are time sensitive. It is very important to call 911 and get to the hospital as soon as stroke symptoms are recognized.
A team of skilled stroke doctors and other experts
Patients can expect excellent care from a multidisciplinary team of experts in the field of stroke care and stroke rehabilitation. The stroke treatment team might consist of:
- Neurologists.
- Neurosurgeons.
- Neuroradiologists.
- Vascular surgeons.
- Cardiothoracic specialists.
Our stroke team also includes specialists who will help with stroke recovery, including:
- Physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists.
- Social workers.
- Care coordinators.
- Pharmacists.
- Nurses
- Other clinical staff.
Know the signs of stroke
You can memorize the signs of stroke through the acronym BE FAST:
- Balance. Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
- Eyes. Is there sudden blurred vision or other vision trouble?
- Face. Ask the person to smile. Is one or both sides of the face drooping?
- Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one side drift downward?
- Speech. Does the person have slurred or garbled speech?
- Time. Time to call 911 for immediate help if you notice any of these signs.
Stroke education
If you're an individual looking for stroke education or are a community group interested in partnering with Maui Health on a stroke education initiative, please complete a contact form or call the Stroke Program manager at 808.442.5255.
