Golden Girls Star Rue McClanahan Death sheds light on stroke-America's #3 killer

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Golden Girls Star Rue McClanahan Death sheds light on stroke-America’s #3 killer

Six out of 10 Americans don’t know where stroke-certified hospitals are in their communities.

June 3, 2010 - Golden Girl TV actor Rue McClanahan died on June 3rd after suffering a massive stroke at the age of 76. McClanahan, who played Blanche Devereaux on the still-popular '80s sitcom Golden Girls, had suffered a minor stroke earlier this year while recovering from bypass surgery.

Every year, about 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke; 610,000 are first attacks. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over 65, however, nearly one-quarter of strokes occur in people under 65.

However, six out of 10 Americans do not know which hospitals offer specialized treatment for stroke, according to a recent study by the American Stroke Association. The survey results show the need for continuous reinforcement of public education to maintain awareness of the stroke warning signs and symptoms. Tennessee, which is located in the Stroke Belt, has the highest rate of stroke mortality than any other U.S. region.

With one of the state’s busiest Emergency Departments, Skyline Medical Center pioneered a new process to insure that stroke patients receive the timeliest treatments possible. By more quickly identifying candidates for thomboylic therapy (TPA), Skyline is helping to save more lives than ever before.
Skyline Medical Center was the first hospital in Tennessee to earn Primary Stroke Center Certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and their patients are often among the first to be able to access the newest treatments such as carotid artery stenting and Stealth guided endoscopic removal of blood clots to the brain. In addition,
Skyline offers free community stroke screenings, a monthly Stroke Support Group and the state’s first Bran Aneurysm Support Group.

“Everyone should know the warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 if you or your loved one is having a stroke and know which hospitals are better equipped to handle strokes,” says Skyline Medical Center’s Director of Critical Care and Neurosciences Debra Philpot, R.N.

Know the signs of a stroke...
Stroke is a medical emergency. Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others. Every second counts:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within 4.5 hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.