Who We Are
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. Few conditions occur as rapidly and with as devastating consequences as stroke. Data from the American Stroke Association indicate that over 700,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke each year. Of these, about 500,000 are first attacks and 100,000 are recurrent. Further, the annual cost to our health care system is in excess of 50 billion dollars.
About 4.5 million stroke survivors are alive today. Through innovation of diagnostic technologies, advanced treatment, improved management of stroke risk factors, implementation of cutting edge acute stroke treatments, and improved rehabilitation strategies, there is new hope for persons who have had a stroke or who are at risk of having a stroke.
The Shands at the University of Florida Stroke Program is dedicated to preventing diagnosing and treating strokes, providing the latest technology and medications, and treating the stroke patient's entire needs. Care is coordinated from the first point of contact with the patient, whether through the emergency department, the Stroke Program's inpatient or outpatient services or the rehabilitation ward. Dr. Michael Waters, Director of the Stroke Program, has brought together a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, critical care physicians, emergency department physicians, rehabilitation specialists, nurse specialists and pharmacists who have a special interest and expertise in stroke and cerebrovascular disease.
While many centers are concerned mainly with managing acute stroke, the Stroke Program's state-of-the-art acute stroke management protocols, guided by the principles of the American Heart/Stroke Association, Brain Attack Coalition, and Joint Commission, focus on aggressive prevention of future stroke with a combination of medications and changes in lifestyle, and maximum recovery. By decreasing the risks for stroke, the program improves quality of life and helps give peace of mind.
To visit the website for the University of Florida Department of Neurology, click here.
