DETROIT – DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital is part of a new nationwide effort led by the American Heart Association targeting the deadliest type of stroke.
The hospital is one of 15 nationwide chosen to participate in a program aimed at increasing survival rates from hemorrhagic strokes, a condition where sudden bleeding occurs in the brain.
Strokes happen either due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, known as ischemic stroke, or from a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, called a hemorrhagic stroke.
While hemorrhagic strokes are less common, they are more deadly, said Dr. Wazim Mohamed, stroke director at DMC Detroit Receiving.
“The hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of all the strokes that happen, but they contribute to almost 40% of deaths from all strokes,” Mohamed said.
The 15 hospitals involved will collect data to determine the most effective care for hemorrhagic stroke patients, including identifying who can benefit from a minimally invasive surgery known as MIPS.
“For the past seven to eight years, we have been focusing also on hemorrhagic strokes, getting all the technology needed to help these patients,” Mohamed said.
The program aims to accelerate standards for using this technology and improve survival rates.
“Not all patients with a brain bleed may benefit from surgery, but to identify the optimal patient, depending on the location of the bleed, size of the bleed, and approach of surgical techniques,” Mohamed explained.
Doctors at DMC Detroit Receiving said they’re excited to be part of the initiative and help improve outcomes for stroke patients everwhere.
Although hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13% of strokes overall, DMC’s comprehensive stroke center sees a higher percentage -- up to 25% in some years.
This higher volume was a key factor in the hospital’s selection for the important initiative.