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New CT Brain Test to Improve Stroke Care on Island

Guam Regional Medical City Introduces New CT Brain Test to Improve Stroke Care on Island
(Wednesday, January 29, 2024; Dededo, Guam) — Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) is proud to announce the introduction of an advanced Computed Tomography (CT) Brain Perfusion test to its diagnostic capabilities, marking a significant advancement in stroke care and overall healthcare on the island, CNMI, and the Micronesian region.

CT brain perfusion imaging is an advanced imaging technique used to assess blood flow within the brain. It uses a contrast agent that is injected into a patient’s bloodstream during a CT scan to visualize and evaluate the circulation of blood through tissues. It is particularly useful in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. It helps doctors differentiate between areas of the brain that are irreversibly damaged (infarcted) and areas that can still be saved (penumbra). This is crucial for determining whether a patient might benefit from clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) or mechanical removal of clots from the brain.

Impact on Stroke Care
This new diagnostic capability is an important tool for GRMC’s stroke program, which is designated by the Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. The new technology will contribute to the overall improvement of patient outcomes by reducing complications, hospital stays, and long-term needs.

“We are excited to offer this cutting-edge technology to the people of Guam,” said Butch Frosch, GRMC Radiology Manager. “By providing access to the latest in diagnostic and treatment tools, we are helping our community live healthier lives, and we are hopeful that this will set a new standard for stroke care on the island.”

The addition of the CT brain perfusion test is part of GRMC’s ongoing commitment to improving the health of the people of Guam through innovative care, advanced medical technologies, and highly trained healthcare professionals. The hospital continues to invest in the latest medical tools to enhance both the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions, making it a trusted and invaluable resource for the island’s healthcare needs.

GRMC Stroke Director, Dr. Justin Hale, wishes to remind the public that the first steps in delivering stroke care are the early detection of stroke by friends and families, then quickly getting patients to GRMC, which is the designated stroke center on Guam. He encourages the public to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke by remembering the acronym “B.E.F.A.S.T.” This simple guide recognizes a stroke in its early stages:
·      B = Balance loss
·      E = Eyes (sudden vision changes)
·      F = Face dropping
·      A = Arm weakness
·      S = Speech difficulty
·      T = Time to call 911!

“If patients can get to the Emergency Department soon after their stroke starts, we can deploy these imaging tools and procedures to hopefully restore blood flow,” say Dr. Hale, “but time is very important. Stroke is not one of those conditions where you wait till Monday to see your family doctor.”

Identifying these warning signs can quickly make all the difference in minimizing long-term damage. Remember, #TIMEISBRAIN–every moment counts when it comes to stroke treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help right away.

GRMC advises individuals seeking treatment to speak with their primary care physician to determine if a referral to the hospital is necessary. Additionally, be sure to check with your health insurance provider to understand which treatments are covered under your plan.

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