Published on May 17, 2011

Stroke Symposium Offers Education, Experience and Latest Treatment Options to Patients and Medical Community

Stroke Month Event Highlights Local Experts in Care and Personal Stories of Survivors

Rockville, Md. – Community members and medical professionals will have the opportunity to learn about the latest treatment options for stroke and hear about the personal experiences of stroke survivors, including Miss America 1963, during the first “Stroke Symposium: Pathways of  Innovation, Hope and Recovery,” hosted by Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland and the Montgomery County Stroke Association.  The daylong event, held in conjunction with National Stroke Month in May, will take place on Thursday, May 19, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Johns Hopkins University Montgomery County Campus in Rockville.

Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke, which is the third leading cause of death behind cancer and heart disease, according to the American Stroke Association.  In 2010, Americans paid about $73.7 billion in medical costs for stroke-related conditions and disabilities.

“The stroke symposium will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about medical advances that are impacting stroke care and making a difference for stroke patients each day,” said Doris Reinhart, Administrator, Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland.  “The event also offers the opportunity for stroke survivors to share their experiences in rehabilitation and recovery with the community and medical professionals.”

The Stroke Symposium will offer separate tracks for the community and medical professionals.  Presentations will include:

• Driving After Stroke,
• Vision Disorders,
• Seizures and Epilepsy,
• Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Interventions,
• Stroke Rehabilitation and
• Panel discussion by stroke survivors and caregivers.

The event will also feature Jacqueline Mayer, Miss America 1963, who suffered a stroke in 1970 at age 28, as the keynote speaker.

“Stroke remains a major healthcare problem, and its human and economic toll is staggering,” said Irene Spector, president of the Montgomery County Stroke Association.“  The good news is that in many instances stroke is preventable, which is one of the key points we would like attendees take away from this symposium.”

Care for stroke patients is just one type rehabilitation available at Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland, which celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year.  The facility offers comprehensive rehabilitation programs for a wide range of conditions including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, orthopedic injuries and surgeries, sports related injuries, work-related injuries, cardiopulmonary conditions and neurological disorders.  In 2010, Adventist Rehab became the only rehabilitation hospital in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia to receive accreditation in all four of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) specialty programs in Amputation, Stroke, Brain and Spinal Cord Injury.  These designations represent the high-quality, comprehensive care that doctors, therapists and staff at Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland provide to patients.

“Stroke patients are often in a place where they must relearn the basic functions of life,” explains Dr. Terrence Sheehan, Chief Medical Officer of Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital.  “Adventist Rehab’s dedicated stroke team consists of caregivers that are specially trained and highly experienced in providing the care, therapy and support needed by stroke patients to get them back to life as quickly as possible.”

Additional information about the stroke symposium, including a full schedule is available at www.AdventistRehab.com

Members of the media are invited to attend the stroke symposium.  Also, interviews with presenters are available prior to the event or on the day of the event.  To schedule these or to register, please contact Marisa Lavine at 301-315-3007 or mlavine@adventisthealthcare.com.

Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland is the first and only acute rehabilitation hospital in Montgomery County. The facility first opened our doors in January 2001 to offer specialized inpatient and outpatient treatment for persons with functional limitations. Services include comprehensive rehabilitation programs for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, orthopedic injuries and surgeries, sports- related injuries, work-related injuries, cardiopulmonary conditions and neurological disorders. Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland is part of the Adventist HealthCare system, which includes hospitals, home health agencies, and other health care services.