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Upstate University Hospital Receives Elite Designation for Comprehensive Stroke Care

John Smith/WAER News

Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse has been accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare in Buffalo.  It’s only one of two hospitals state-wide to receive the status.  Upstate has expanded its Stroke care with medical technology that allows for real-time brain images and a specialized suite used by neurosurgeons for more severe cases. Director Dr. Julius Jean Latorre says that strokes are complex; however, his team is ready.

 “So different Strokes require different kinds of treatment and we have a team of experts here who are able to decide the appropriate treatment at the very time that they need the treatment. You don’t lose a minute in deciding and in providing the care. Every minute, two million cells of your brain dies. And so, if you can provide the right treatment, the fastest time possible, then the patient gets a better outcome.”

Former Onondaga County Undersheriff Warren Darby says he found himself at Upstate after his balance wasn’t steady.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
Former Onondaga County Undersheriff Warren Darby speaks about how the Upstate team handled his stroke and recovery.

“I had that little imbalance piece but, I also had from my left hip to my toe; that leg was as if it fell asleep. It was tingling and it was numb.  I could make it do things but, it was like I was doing it with a remote.”

 The Upstate Stroke Center has separate areas for stroke and neurointensive care services.  The hospital is also participating in research and clinical trials focused on acute stroke. 

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.