Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/WRdLs2fhXtY Nearly 90% of American stroke victims with large blood vessel blockages receive less than optimal care.  That statistic is even worse for minority populations suggesting healthcare racism.   Mayo Clinic neurology researchers reviewed more than 200,000 admissions to some 173 medical centers over the most recent 2 year period.  Despite widespread professional acknowledgement that large vessel clot removal is the most effective therapy for acute ischemic strokes, this so-called mechanical thrombectomy occurred in only 8.4% of patients overall.  Only 7% of minority patients were so treated compared with nearly 10% of white and non-Hispanic patients.   More than 800,000 strokes occur in the US every year.  Studies have shown that prompt, aggressive therapy with clot dissolving medications and/or mechanical clot removal leads to the best outcomes.     That care only occurs if a stroke is recognized.  To spot a stroke, remember FAST.  Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficu