SGMC Health is excited to announce that Dr. Cole Seaton and Dr. Roohi Farooq will lead its stroke program. As Co-Directors, they’ll work together to improve stroke care in our community.
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blockage or a burst blood vessel. Prompt treatment is key, as it can save brain cells and enhance recovery. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting fast can make a big difference.
SGMC Health is the only accredited Primary Stroke Center (PSC) in the area. This means we offer a wide range of care for stroke patients, from acute treatments to specialized units for ongoing recovery. PSCs also serve as resources for other hospitals, sharing expertise and advanced diagnostic tools for better stroke care.
For over ten years, SGMC Health has been recognized with the American Heart Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” award for stroke treatment excellence. This reflects our dedication to providing top-notch care and improving patient outcomes.
“Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of long-term disability,” says Dr. Pankaj Agrawal, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at SGMC Health. “With Dr. Seaton and Dr. Farooq in charge, we are committed to ensuring our community gets the best care when every second counts.”
Dr. Seaton graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Georgia and completed his residency at Texas A&M University. He became board-certified in Emergency Medicine and has been the Medical Director for the EMS program since 2022. His experience will help improve how quickly we respond to strokes.
Dr. Farooq received her medical training at Deccan College of Medical Sciences and did her residency at the SIU-Neuroscience Institute. With a strong background in neurology, she ensures our patients receive top-level care for stroke recovery.
Recent statistics show that timely intervention during a stroke can reduce long-term disabilities by as much as 50%. It emphasizes the importance of education on recognizing stroke symptoms, such as sudden numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or severe headaches. Sharing this information on social media has become crucial. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are filled with awareness campaigns that can help spread the word about the signs of a stroke.
For those interested in learning more about SGMC Health’s stroke program, visit sgmc.org.