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www.theconnectionsnj.com
Health and Wellness
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2345 Lamington Road Suite 107 Bedminster, NJ 07921 973.285.7800 11 Overlook Road Suite 180 Summit, NJ 07901 908.516.2941 310 Madison Avenue Suite 300 Morristown, NJ 07960 973.285.7800 3700 Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753 732.455.8225 89 Sparta Avenue Sparta, NJ 07871 973.729.0266 464 Hudson Terrace Suite 203 Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 973.285.7800 ANS. GUIDING OUR PATIENTS TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF HEALTHCARE. This type of high-level collaboration and multi-disciplinary approach to surgery and care doesn’t happen everywhere, but it does happen here. New Jersey’s largest neurosurgical practice consists of board-certified neurosurgeons, all of whom are fellowship-trained in their specialties including spine, brain tumors and endovascular care. Our neurosurgeons are afforded an unparalleled ability to focus on their sub-specialties. Because of this, our specialists can offer the rarest of treatment options and are the most qualified to provide an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) handles the most minimally invasive spine surgery cases in the state. This advancement in surgery is allowing patients to reap the benefits of smaller incisions and quicker recovery times. We are highly specialized, nationally renowned, and are among the very best practicing medicine. Don’t let insurance come before your health. Ask to speak with our insurance counselor. For more information, visit www.ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800 . “WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE?” – THE CRITICAL QUESTION THAT CAN SAVE A STROKE VICTIM Newly proven, minimally invasive treatment removes blood clots and has patients returning home as good as new The normal response from the doctor used to be, “He suffered a stroke. There’s noth- ing more we could do.” Especially if the patient sought medical care after the six- hour treatment window. Today, the response should be much differ- ent. So it’s critical the patient’s loved ones or caregiver ask the all-important question: “What more can be done?” Not every emergency room physician or neurosurgeon has the training to answer, “There is something that can be done.” But, according to Ronald P. Benitez, neuro- surgeon and president of Atlantic Neuro- Surgical Specialists, there is. “Using a stent retriever, we can now go into the brain within eight to 10 hours of the stroke – in some instances – even longer, remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain,” he explains. “This mini- mally invasive treatment is successful in patients who have suffered ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke – the most common type – is caused when a brain artery becomes blocked, prohibiting nor- mal blood flow to the brain.” Benitez was a pioneer of this treatment when the first device was introduced in 2004. Despite advancements that have been made since then and proven medical success, it wasn’t until just recently that results of studies confirming the effective- ness of stent retrievers were released at the International Stroke Conference 2015 in Nashville. The results showed treatment with the lat- est generation stent retrievers – the Trevo by Stryker and the Solitaire FR by Covidien – reduced post-stroke disability and increased the proportion of patients alive and independent at three months. Four studies showed convincing evidence of benefit. “Removing a clot stuck in a blood vessel is somewhat similar to removing a cork stuck in a wine bottle,” Benitez details. “We insert the stent into the blood clot and open it to restore the blood flow. The clot attaches to the retriever and comes out when the device is removed. “This treatment works well in patients with brain tissue that has not been damaged by the lack of blood flow,” he continues. “When the brain tissue is alive, but on sleep mode like a computer, we are often able to awaken it.” Dr. Benitez does 80-100 of these proce- dures a year with amazing results. “Typically, we see a stroke patient enter the hospital unable to speak and move one side,” Benitez concludes. “Many times, after removing the clot, the patient walks out of the hospital and goes home talking. It is truly miraculous.” Despite these advances, seeking medical treatment at the onset of symptoms is still critical, so know the symptoms of stroke: • SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body • SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes • SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination • SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause Women’s symptoms may be different including: • Loss of consciousness or fainting • General weakness • Difficulty or shortness of breath • Confusion, unresponsiveness or disorientation • Sudden behavioral change • Agitation • Hallucination • Nausea or vomiting • Pain • Seizures • Hiccups Also, know the location of your nearest stroke center that employs stent retrievers. In New Jersey, ANS performs these proce- dures at Overlook Medical Center in Sum- mit, Jersey Shore Medical Center in Nep- tune, St. Barnabas Medical Center in Liv- ingston, and Morristown Medical Center in Morristown. That way, when you ask that all-important question, “What more can be done,” you’ll get the right answer. For more information on stroke and stent retrievers, contact Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists at 973.285.2800 and visit us at www.ansdocs.com.