Our Emergency Departments usually serve as the first point of contact for individuals who suspect they are having a stroke. Emergency teams at all Conemaugh Health System hospitals are trained to recognize stroke symptoms, and are qualified to carry out specific stroke protocols that may include comprehensive stroke scale assessments and the administration of clot-busting medication.

If more advanced levels of care are needed, patients can be transferred to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in minutes via local ambulance services or the MedStar medical helicopter. Conemaugh Memorial offers round-the-clock CT and other diagnostic scans, vascular specialists, neurology and neurosurgery specialists, and other on-site treatment programs.

In addition to emergency room physicians and critical care specialists, our stroke team includes:

Neurology

Todd Lynn, DO
 Jeremy N. Meisel, MD, Stroke Medical Director 
Kussay Nassr, MD  
Renu Pokharna, MD

Neurosurgery

Alfred P. Bowles, MD, FICS, FAC, FAANS
Zafar I. Chowdhry, MD
Kevin M. Zitnay, MD, FACS

Neuro-Specialty Unit

Many of the physicians also see patients at other Conemaugh Health System hospitals during the week or during office hours at their community office locations.

Patients who are admitted to the hospital also benefit from nursing teams who follow established “best practices” to prevent or reduce stroke-related complications. At Memorial Medical Center, this includes frequent monitoring of swallowing and speech capabilities, and ongoing assessments of pneumonia risks and blood clot-related complications.

Nursing teams also talk with patients and families about risk factors and ways to reduce the likelihood of future strokes. This can include changes in diet, smoking habits or exercise, and regular visits with family doctors to control risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or excess weight.