Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold quality achievement award for its commitment to providing stroke patients with the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

“At the Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center at Pikeville Medical Center, we are committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Naveed Ahmed, MD, FAAN. “The ‘Get With The Guidelines’ program enables our team to integrate proven knowledge into daily care, which research shows leads to better recovery for patients. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that more people in our region experience longer, healthier lives.”

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“At Pikeville Medical Center, we are constantly striving to enhance the quality of care we provide, and following the most current treatment guidelines is a key part of that mission,” said Melissa Thacker, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer. “This program empowers our healthcare teams, including our dedicated stroke team, to deliver care that is based on the latest research and founded on best practices, which has been shown to improve patient outcomes. By utilizing evidence-based protocols that are in place, we can help more individuals in our region recover faster from stroke and other conditions, ultimately enabling them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Pikeville Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Pikeville Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

PMC also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

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A Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel bursting and causing bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). The consequences of both can be devastating, leading to disability or even death. Being able to identify stroke symptoms promptly can make a huge difference in saving lives and reducing the risk of long-term disability. PMC emphasizes the acronym “BE FAST” as a simple tool for recognizing stroke signs:

B– Balance: Sudden loss of balance or dizziness; E– Eyes: Vision changes; F– Face Drooping: One side of the face drooping or numb; A– Arms: Arm or leg weakness, specifically on one side; S– Speech: Slurred speech or hard to understand; T– Time: If any of these signs are present, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

In addition, keeping track of when symptoms began can help the healthcare team diagnose and treat patients more effectively. Stroke Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the impact a stroke can have on individuals, families and communities. By increasing awareness, promoting prevention strategies and advocating for timely treatment, the burden of strokes can be reduced and outcomes can be improved for stroke survivors. By keeping these things in mind, more lives can be saved in the fight against strokes.

For more information, visit https://www.pmcky.org/stroke-center/ or call 606-430-2208.

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PMC Neurologists Dr. Naveed Ahmed and Dr. Ryan Owens collaborate closely with other PMC specialists, such as neurosurgeons, radiologists and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients. They use various diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to assess a patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment. PMC Neurologists also treat patients with degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
One of the most common conditions a neurologist treats is a stroke, also called a ‘brain attack.’ A stroke occurs when blood flow is disrupted to the brain, causing damage to parts of the brain. Neurologists use various treatment options when treating a patient who has suffered a stroke, such as clot-busting medications or surgical procedures to minimize the damage and help patients recover.

At PMC, neurologists and emergency department providers utilize advanced technology powered by artificial intelligence to help identify certain types of strokes quickly and effectively. The software, powered by Viz.ai, is linked directly to PMC’s CT scanner, which uses rotating X-ray machines to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s head, showing bones, blood vessels and the brain.

The Viz.ai technology can quickly identify suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, which happen when one of the brain’s major arteries is blocked, stopping the supply of blood and oxygen. Once a stroke is identified by the computer, PMC’s stroke specialists are notified almost immediately. Many times, while the patient is still in the CT machine, PMC neurologists are looking at the detailed images on their smartphones and can initiate treatment. PMC was the first hospital in Eastern Kentucky to utilize this state-of-the-art technology. For more information on advanced neurology care at PMC, visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/neurology or scan the code provided.

For more information on advanced neurology care at PMC, visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/stroke-center/ .

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The onset of Alzheimer’s disease, many times, is subtle. Those showing early signs may display symptoms, such as mild forgetfulness and difficulty recalling recent events or conversations. This is another reason why regular visits to a family practice provider are vital as men and women age. A medical provider who sees a patient regularly builds a relationship where conversations about memory loss are more comfortable.

If a primary care provider suspects a patient has Alzheimer’s disease, he or she will more than likely refer the patient to a neurologist, a physician specializing in diseases affecting the brain, nervous system and spinal cord. The Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) offers two board-certified neurologists, Naveed Ahmed, MD, and Ryan Owens, MD, who lead a compassionate team consisting of three nurse practitioners and several other experienced staff members, all trained in the field of neurology.

It is vital that patients with Alzheimer’s disease receive an early diagnosis. As time passes and the disease progresses, patients may find it difficult to express themselves. Memory loss becomes more severe, and individuals may struggle to recognize loved ones and things once familiar to them. In later stages, those with Alzheimer’s may require assistance with basic activities such as eating, dressing and bathing.

Providers with the Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center see patients on the 8th floor of the PMC Clinic building in Pikeville and at PMC clinics in Prestonsburg, Whitesburg and South Williamson.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 606-430-2208 or visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/neurology/.

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PMC Neurologists Dr. Naveed Ahmed and Dr. Ryan Owens collaborate closely with other PMC specialists, such as neurosurgeons, radiologists and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients. They use various diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to assess a patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment. PMC Neurologists also treat patients with degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

One of the most common conditions a neurologist treats is a stroke, also called a ‘brain attack.’ A stroke occurs when blood flow is disrupted to the brain, causing damage to parts of the brain. Neurologists use various treatment options when treating a patient who has suffered a stroke, such as clot-busting medications or surgical procedures to minimize the damage and help patients recover.

At PMC, neurologists and emergency department providers utilize advanced technology powered by artificial intelligence to help identify certain types of strokes quickly and effectively. The software, powered by Viz.ai, is linked directly to PMC’s CT scanner, which uses rotating X-ray machines to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s head, showing bones, blood vessels and the brain.

The Viz.ai technology can quickly identify suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, which happen when one of the brain’s major arteries is blocked, stopping the supply of blood and oxygen. Once a stroke is identified by the computer, PMC’s stroke specialists are notified almost immediately. Many times, while the patient is still in the CT machine, PMC neurologists are looking at the detailed images on their smartphones and can initiate treatment. PMC was the first hospital in Eastern Kentucky to utilize this state-of-the-art technology.

For more information on advanced neurology care at PMC, visit https://www.pmcky.org/neurology/ .

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WHAT RISK FACTORS CAN I POTENTIALLY CHANGE OR TREAT

• High Blood Pressure
• Tobacco Use
• Diabetes
• Carotid or Other Artery Diseases
• TIA (Mini-Stroke)
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) or Other Heart Disease
• Certain Blood Disorders
• High Blood Cholesterol
• Physical Inactivity & Obesity
• Excessive Alcohol Intake
• Illegal Drug Use

WHAT RISK FACTORS I CANNOT CONTROL

• Increasing Age
• Gender
• Heredity
• Race
• Prior stroke

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PMC Neurologists Dr. Naveed Ahmed and Dr. Ryan Owens collaborate closely with other PMC specialists, such as neurosurgeons, radiologists and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients. They use various diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to assess a patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment. PMC Neurologists also treat patients with degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

One of the most common conditions a neurologist treats is a stroke, also called a ‘brain attack.’ A stroke occurs when blood flow is disrupted to the brain, causing damage to parts of the brain. Neurologists use various treatment options when treating a patient who has suffered a stroke, such as clot-busting medications or surgical procedures to minimize the damage and help patients recover.

At PMC, neurologists and emergency department providers utilize advanced technology powered by artificial intelligence to help identify certain types of strokes quickly and effectively. The software, powered by Viz.ai, is linked directly to PMC’s CT scanner, which uses rotating X-ray machines to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s head, showing bones, blood vessels and the brain.

The Viz.ai technology can quickly identify suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, which happen when one of the brain’s major arteries is blocked, stopping the supply of blood and oxygen. Once a stroke is identified by the computer, PMC’s stroke specialists are notified almost immediately. Many times, while the patient is still in the CT machine, PMC neurologists are looking at the detailed images on their smartphones and can initiate treatment. PMC was the first hospital in Eastern Kentucky to utilize this state-of-the-art technology.

For more information on the Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center at PMC, visit https://www.pmcky.org/neurology/ or scan the code provided.

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Unlike other publicly available award rankings, CareChex awards are based on comprehensive risk-adjustment methodology and do not include any self-reported data.  For 2023, Pikeville Medical Center has received awards in the following areas:

• Top 10% of Hospitals in the Nation for Medical Excellence:
  • Hip Fracture Care
• Top 10% of Hospitals in the State for Medical Excellence:
  • Hip Fracture Care
• Top 10% of Hospitals in the Nation for Patient Safety:
  • Heart Attack Treatment
  • Neurological Care
  • Trauma Care
• Top 10% of Hospitals in the State for Patient Safety:
  • Heart Attack Treatment
  • Neurological Care
  • Trauma Care

“We are so pleased to learn Pikeville Medical Center has once again been recognized by CareChex as a top hospital in the state and the nation,” said PMC President and CEO Donovan Blackburn.  “Recognitions in Medical Excellence and Patient Safety proves how our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to provide high quality care to our patients.”

PMC is renowned for the medical care it provides in many areas, including cardiac, orthopedic, emergency/trauma and neurological care. PMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky has received accreditation from the American College of Cardiology, PMC’s Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute of Eastern Kentucky is accredited by the Joint Commission in hip fracture and joint replacement of both the hip and knee, PMC is recognized as the only Level II Trauma Center in the state and its Emergency Department is recognized by Women’s Choice for Best Hospital in Emergency Care, and PMC’s Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center is accredited by the Joint Commission and is recognized as a Primary Stroke Center.

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For patients battling Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease or effects of a stroke, it is imperative to seek a specially trained physician who delivers quality care. A thorough neurological exam is an essential tool to determine a patient’s needs. It can help differentiate and localize the causes of common complaints.

Pikeville Medical Center’s (PMC) two Board Certified Neurologists, Naveed Ahmed, MD, FAAN and Ryan Owens, MD, treat patients with various medical issues affecting the nervous system in several locations throughout the region.

Dr. Naveed Ahmed is the Medical Director of the PMC Primary Stroke Center and has been treating patients at Pikeville Medical Center for more than a decade.  Dr. Ahmed provides care on the 8th floor of the PMC Clinic Building and in several other convenient locations including the Whitesburg Specialty Clinic, Prestonsburg Specialty Clinic and the South Williamson Primary and Specialty Care Clinic.  Dr. Ryan Owens, a Floyd County native, returned home to provide specialized care for neurology patients and sees patients at the PMC Prestonsburg Primary and Urgent Care Clinic.

Pikeville Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center is among the top stroke treatment centers in Kentucky.

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The software, powered by Viz.ai, is linked directly to PMC’s CT scanner, which uses rotating x-ray machines to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s head, showing bones, blood vessels and the brain.

The new technology can quickly identify suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, which is caused when one of the major arteries of the brain is blocked, stopping the supply of blood and oxygen.  Once  a stroke is identified by the computer, PMC’s stroke specialists are notified almost immediately on their smartphones, where they are able to see the images for themselves.

“Having this new technology is going to allow us to quickly identify a stroke and its precise location,” explained Medical Director of the PMC Primary Stroke Center, Naveed Ahmed, MD.  “This will show us which brain tissue is at risk of dying and allows us to better plan which action we need to take to treat it.  When treating a stroke patient, every second counts.”

A stroke is a serious and time-sensitive medical condition that requires emergency care and can cause lasting brain damage and death.  In the United States, stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability.  According to the CDC, someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds, and every four minutes, someone dies.

For more information, visit www.pmcky.org, call 606-430-2208.

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