Kay Maddox, a former member of the Piedmont Henry Hospital Auxiliary, was scheduled to go in for her last shift as a volunteer last December, but she didn’t feel well. Her daughter, Lynn, was on the phone with her as she drove to work, and became concerned when Kay started slurring her words and abruptly hung up the phone. Lynn turned around and drove straight to her mother’s house, where she found Kay leaning against the wall. She was still slurring her speech and said her legs had given out. Lynn called 9-1-1 and Kay was transported to Piedmont Henry.
“They gave Mom a clot buster (t-PA, or tissue plasminogenactivator) and started preparing to transfer her to Grady Hospital for surgery,” said Steve Maddox, Kay’s son. “Jay (Connelly, the manager of the Stroke Program at Piedmont Henry) was with us the entire time, explaining what was going on, showing us photos and walking us through the process. He treated us like we were his kin.”
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel. When this happens, the brain doesn’t receive oxygen and glucose that is required to prevent brain cells from dying.
“The faster a stroke is recognized and treatment is provided to restore blood flow to the brain the greater chance disability will be reduced. Every minute nearly 2 million brain cells can die. Recognizing the symptoms and calling 911 immediately are the first steps to improving outcomes,” said Jay Connelly, Stroke Program Manager at Piedmont Henry.
The key to optimal recovery of a stroke and decreasing disability is to B.E.F.A.S.T.:
- Balance – look for balance issues
- Eyes – look for problems with vision
- Face – look for an uneven smile
- Arm – check if one arm is weak
- Speech – listen for slurred speech
- Time – call 911 right away
“Because of the quick response of Lynn recognizing the signs of stroke and the immediate response of the staff at Piedmont Henry, I was able to receive the care needed to avoid the possible long-term effects of stroke,” said Kay. “I am forever grateful for all the staff that had a hand in providing care.”
After surgery, Kay began to feel more like herself. She could speak normally and her vision had returned to normal. To Steve and the rest of Kay’s family, she was as good as new, if not better than before. She made it to the family Christmas party and remains healthy and active.
“We’ve always had great experiences with Piedmont Henry,” said Steve. “It’s like the staff there are the hands of God.”
To learn more about neurological services at Piedmont, visit piedmont.org/neurosciences.
