Buscar

Stroke is unfortunately common, with 1 in 5 American women experiencing it each year. When it comes to a stroke the phrase “time is brain” speaks to the urgency of getting rapid care. In fact, a woman may lose nearly 2 million neurons per minute of oxygen loss to the brain. The Renown Health Comprehensive Stroke Center experts share the importance of timely treatment and how stroke symptoms can differ in women. Women and Stroke – Surprising Symptoms  Each year stroke affects more women than men. Even more concerning, women are less likely to recover from a stroke. The following non-traditional, less common, warning signs can be common in women: Hiccups with chest pain Sudden disorientation, drowsiness, confusion or a general altered mental status Nausea or vomiting A sudden headache that feels like the ‘worst headache of your life’ Unusual chest pain (especially with hiccups) Body numbness or weakness, such as an arm or leg suddenly ‘falling asleep’ Fainting or loss of consciousness Stroke Diagnosis The first step is neuroimaging by CT scan. This allows for rapid identification of any bleed, and also assists in determining candidacy for the early clot busting medication. MRI brain imaging is much higher resolution, and can better determine the core stroke size, assisting in prognosis and recovery. Since strokes have several different origins, an inpatient workup is essential to determine the underlying cause. Whether the stroke is secondary to plaque in the large vessels, clots being thrown in the setting of atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), or small vessel disease from years of uncontrolled vascular risk factors (high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes), determining the cause is essential to implementing a management plan to reduce risk for further strokes. Quick Treatment for Stroke is Key Early recognition of stroke symptoms and seeking prompt attention is paramount. There are interventions that can be instituted to minimize the stroke and increase likelihood of recovery, but only if a patient presents to the hospital early. A clot busting medication, called tPA, can be given to patients with stroke if given within 4-5 hours from time of onset. Renown Regional Health Center is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest level of stroke certification available. To earn the designation of comprehensive stroke center, a hospital has to meet stringent requirements, including biannual on-site evaluations. This includes care for ischemic stroke patients (lack of blood flow), hemorrhagic stroke patients (bleeds), and determining the underlying cause to guide secondary stroke management prevention. Stroke Symptoms Remember “B.E.F.A.S.T.” to recognize the symptoms of a stroke below: B – Balance Being off balance or dizzy, is common. E – Eyes An eyesight change such as blurring or double vision may occur. F – Face droop One side of the face, or lip, droops A – Arm weakness Does one arm drift down? S – Speech Talking may slur or sound strange. T – Time Time to call 911. Call an ambulance immediately if you or anyone else, experiences any of these symptoms.

Read More About Women and Stroke Surprising Signs to Know

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, it's essential to seek immediate attention by calling 9-1-1 or visiting the ER for a thorough evaluation by a trained medical professional and timely intervention. Access to a convenient and trusted emergency room (ER) is critical to any person’s healthcare needs, including medical emergencies related to women’s health. We explored some common scenarios and warning signs prompting women to seek immediate medical attention with Aiden Gould, Board-Certified Emergency Physician at Renown Health. When your medical emergency can’t wait, Renown ER is here to provide you with the region’s leading emergency care to diagnose and treat your condition or illness.  Understanding Common Reasons Women Visit the Emergency Room Gynecological Emergencies: One of the most common reasons women may seek emergency care is due to gynecological emergencies such as severe pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or complications related to pregnancy. These issues can be alarming and warrant immediate medical attention if the issue persists or is out of the ordinary for you.  Emotional and Physical Well-Being: For those facing diverse medical or mental health emergencies, seeking prompt assistance is crucial for a thorough assessment and safe, timely intervention. Renown ER teams are equipped with trained professionals who provide compassionate care for individuals seeking help in the following situations: Suicide risk assessment and intervention Substance abuse assessment Assault and trauma care Crisis support and intervention Resources for ongoing care and well-being support Severe Abdominal Pain: Unexplained and severe abdominal pain that is substantially different than what is normal for you is a symptom you should never ignore as it can indicate underlying issues. Warning signs of an acute medical situation include fever, vomiting or a rapid change in motor function and inability to move due to pain. Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and other respiratory issues can be especially concerning. Women with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or those experiencing sudden respiratory distress should seek immediate care from a medical professional. Warning signs of respiratory distress may include a significant change in one’s breathing rate, changing of the skin color to blue, gray or paleness due to lack of oxygen, nose flaring and chest retractions. Cardiovascular Emergencies: Heart-related issues are not exclusive to men. Women can also experience cardiovascular emergencies that often go undiagnosed because symptoms differ from men. Symptoms like chest pain, extreme fatigue, vomiting or pain in the abdomen, shortness of breath or palpitations should be evaluated by an emergency medical professional as timely intervention is critical in such cases. Renown leads the region in cardiology care with our technological expertise and patient-centered approach. Our comprehensive team diagnoses heart disease and other cardiac conditions, offering personalized treatment plans.  Neurological Symptoms: Sudden and severe headaches, seizures or other neurological symptoms may prompt women to visit the ER if symptoms are extremely disorientating or debilitating. These symptoms could be indicative of various conditions from mild to severe, including strokes or neurological disorders that require prompt evaluation.  Renown Regional Medical Center is a Comprehensive Stroke Center, providing primary stroke care including evaluation, treatment and education to patients who arrive at a Renown facility with the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Compassionate Care in Times of Need At Renown Health, we understand that your time is valuable, especially in emergency situations. That's why we strive to provide patients with exceptional care, compassion and respect. Plan ahead and make informed decisions about seeking medical care by viewing your estimated triage wait time at a Renown ER.

Read More About Most Common Reasons Women Visit the ER

The William N. Pennington Cancer Institute at Renown Health is a dedicated hub for breast health. We strive to empower individuals with knowledge, support and leading-edge resources to navigate the journey towards breast wellness. Whether you seek preventative measures, early detection strategies or comprehensive treatment options, our expert team is committed to guiding you every step of the way. Discover a community-driven approach to breast health, where compassion meets innovation, at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer.

Read More About Breast Health

Dr. Carilyn Hoffman with Renown's Women's Health explains the symptoms, causes and treatments of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (also referred to as Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)), a prevalent condition among women of reproductive age that influences hormonal balance, metabolism and fertility. Make an appointment with Renown Women's Health Click here to schedule Call to schedule: 775-982-5000 PCOS Defined PCOS is a constellation of symptoms characterized by two of the three criteria: multiple small cysts on the ovaries visible via ultrasound, irregular periods and signs of hyperandrogenism. Other symptoms include infertility, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Symptoms of PCOS The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman, but some of the most common include: Irregular menstrual cycles: This is often one of the first signs of PCOS. Women may experience fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods, frequent spotting, and/or abnormally heavy periods. Excess androgen levels: High levels of male hormones may result in physical signs such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne and male-pattern baldness. Polycystic ovaries: Enlarged ovaries containing numerous small cysts can be detected via ultrasound.     Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but several factors may play a role: Genetic predisposition: A family history of PCOS increases the risk. Insulin resistance: High insulin levels might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation. Obesity: Women with elevated BMI’s are more likely to have PCOS, although 20% of women with PCOS are not obese. Diagnosis and Treatment Dr. Hoffman outlines that diagnosing PCOS requires a medical history review, a physical exam, blood work and an ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries. Treatment options can range from lifestyle modifications, like diet and exercise and weight loss, to medications for menstrual regulation, fertility assistance, and rarely surgery. Lifestyle Changes A healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of managing PCOS. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and weight management can help reduce symptoms and the risk of long-term health issues. In overweight patients, weight loss as little as 5% has been shown to improve symptoms of PCOS. Medication Medications may include hormonal contraceptives to regulate menstrual cycles, anti-androgens to reduce hair growth and acne, and Metformin to address insulin resistance. Fertility Treatment For women with PCOS who are trying to conceive, ovulation induction with clomiphene or letrozole is sometimes necessary. Sometimes a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist is needed for more advanced technologies like IVF. Health Implications PCOS is not just about cystic ovaries or irregular periods; it can have profound implications on a woman's overall health. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk for several conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.

Read More About What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Although going to the bathroom is not a typical conversation among women and their doctors, it’s an important one. It is a topic you may want to discuss with a urogynecologist, a physician who diagnoses, manages and treats pelvic health conditions in women. Kerac Falk, MD, a urogynecologist and assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno and Renown Health discusses overactive bladder in women and how to treat it. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 4 women struggle with pelvic health conditions, with over 40 percent of women over age 60 experiencing problems. While these conditions may be common, they shouldn’t just be accepted as a normal part of getting older. In fact, many women don’t think of urine leakage as a medical problem, and only 1 in 3 women with incontinence seek care. So, while these conditions may be common, they shouldn’t just be accepted as a normal part of getting older. There are excellent treatment options that can significantly improve the quality of life. Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women: As your body changes and ages, so does your pelvic health. Whether you just had a baby, are experiencing urgency issues or find you cannot go about your daily routine, sneeze or laugh without leaking urine – you’re not alone. An overactive bladder, also known as OAB, is more than feeling an urgent need to go to the bathroom. It can also include the following: Incontinence or lack of control over urination Waking up in the middle of the night to empty your bladder Going to the bathroom often, even every 30 to 60 minutes Symptoms of OAB can lead to a decreased quality of life, feeling as if you cannot go about your normal daily routine, or even become hazardous, increasing the risk of trips, falls, and bone fractures. Various Treatments are Available: Behavioral management (eliminating coffee, soda and alcohol which irritate your bladder) Pelvic floor physical therapy to optimize nerve and muscular function and coordination to prevent leakage Medications including tablets and local estrogen replacement Pelvic nerve stimulation and reprogramming treatments Botox to relax the bladder muscle Solutions for an Overactive Bladder: Simply put, OAB is a nerve and muscle problem, so the bladder needs to calm down. Although there is no underlying reason for OAB, some underlying conditions may exist, such as: High blood pressure Recent trauma Neurological conditions (such as stroke and multiple sclerosis) Lifestyle and non-invasive measures can usually reduce symptoms by as much as 50%, significantly improving quality of life. However, if these measures do not help your OAB, further bladder testing may be needed. Dr. Falk notes that “every patient has a unique situation and set of symptoms. My job as a urogynecologist and pelvic floor subspecialist is to work as a team with each individual to figure out what’s going on and design the best treatment approach that fits your needs and goals, whether that is conservative or with more advanced procedures. The outcome we are working towards is improved quality of life.” If you are bothered by your bladder, the best thing you can do is bring this up with your primary care doctor or gynecologist to begin to discuss solutions

Read More About Bladder Control Treatment for Women – What’s Right for You?

National Radiologic Technology Week is from Nov. 5-11, 2023. Join us in celebrating Renown's Interventional Radiology department!Try to put yourself in the shoes of someone who is told that they have a massive blood clot in their lung, someone who needs a biopsy to determine the next steps of their care, someone facing a stroke or brain aneurysm or someone who needs a catheter to receive treatment such as chemotherapy. You may immediately think that an intense and intimidating surgery is on the horizon. What if, instead of surgery, your care teams were able to use the necessary tools to treat your blockage or administer your medicine with an image-guided procedure?  That’s precisely what the Interventional Radiology (IR) team at Renown Health does. Behind the doors of this department is where you’ll find a team of highly skilled individuals who operate like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that each procedure is executed with precision and care. Their commitment to excellence knows no bounds as they provide essential interventions to patients of all ages, from the tiniest newborns to the elderly. Their mission extends beyond diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; they are experts in understanding and serving the ever-evolving needs of their patients.  Minimally Invasive, Maximally Impactful  With their advanced expertise, our IR teams at both Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center harness the power of X-ray, CT and ultrasound technologies to navigate their way through life-saving minimally invasive procedures, such as thrombectomies, angioplasties, stent placements, embolizations, catheter and drain insertions and needle biopsies. In the world of medicine, Interventional Radiology often offers an alternative to traditional surgical methods, reducing the risk of hospitalization and helping patients embrace recovery more quickly.  Our IR teams have a diverse and busy daily work life in order to make these complex and life-saving interventions happen – and they all have each other’s backs to ensure that every patient gets the care they deserve.  “Every day is different, and no two days are alike,” said Ryan Nunes, Specialty Procedure IR Technologist at Renown Regional. “The day can start off first thing in the morning with several emergent cases, such as ruptured brain aneurysms to brain blockages. We all work really well together; we help each other out and come together to do things as a team.”   Like every other team at Renown, patient well-being is always a number one priority. The IR department takes this commitment seriously, upholding the highest standards of ethics and safety.  “We start the day by preparing rooms and making sure they are well-stocked, checking that all devices are working, performing safety checks and making sure the entire team is well-prepared for whatever cases come through the door,” said Aubrey Goldsmith, Supervisor of Clinical Nursing in IR at Renown Regional. “We have routine cases like drain placements, biopsies, line placements and more, and we also have life-threatening cases that come at a moment’s notice. Our nurses are responsible for monitoring patients throughout the procedure to make sure they are doing well the entire time and are there to respond if the patient has a decline.”  "After completing the prior assessment of each patient, we look for any medical problems the patient may have before confirming it is safe for the patient to have procedure done,” said Brandon Hartwig, Interventional Radiology RN at Renown South Meadows. “We work closely with the physicians on all our cases while assessing each patient, going through labs and vitals and personalizing the procedure for each patient.”  Even though the procedures they oversee are minimally invasive, the IR team understands that any procedure, regardless of the severity, can be incredibly frightening for any patient. Their best tool for handling patient anxieties? Communication.  "The best thing we can do to reduce anxieties and fears in patients is to have communication with them to ensure they know what is going on and what to expect,” said Megan Rios, IR Technologist at Renown Regional. "We set clear expectations for the patients and give reassurance throughout the entire procedure.”  "All of our team members are very attentive to our patients when it comes to potential fears and anxieties that they may have,” added Jazmynn Kimsey, IR Technologist at Renown Regional. “We always take the extra time to listen to our patients and break things down, explaining every step before, during and after the procedure.”  Knowledge sharing is also a crucial part of the IR process. No patient will ever have to wonder, “what exactly is going on here?”  “We provide each patient with education and advocacy throughout the process,” said Blaire Henderson, Interventional Radiology RN at Renown Regional. “We ensure every patient is as comfortable as possible at all times.”  “When it comes to procedures, patients tend to be scared and nervous,” added Ryan Nunes. “The silver lining to what we do is that it is all done through very small openings of the skin, and we all explain this to patients. Most procedures we do are done under moderate sedation which helps put the patient more at ease.”  In a world where advanced medical care meets the human touch, the IR team exemplifies Renown’s commitment to making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of everyone they serve.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Interventional Radiology

The imaging department is where scientific precision and patient connection come together in harmony to help diagnose a multitude of conditions. When a mystery needs to be unraveled, experts in X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, echocardiography, mammography and nuclear medicine step in to provide a deeper lens into each patient’s inner workings. At Renown Health, our imaging specialists exemplify this and more.  With the inpatient teams at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center and many outpatient locations across Reno and Sparks, our dedicated and compassionate imaging and radiology technologists make this symphony of healing a melodious reality. Through the lens of their expertise and the state-of-the-art equipment at their fingertips, the invisible becomes visible, pain transforms into answers and the path to recovery.  A Picture Tells a Thousand Words  Every patient image tells a story, and Renown’s Imaging department is full of master storytellers. From X-rays that capture the intricate architecture of bones to MRIs that unveil the complex structure of organs, these team members use sophisticated techniques to make sure every patient receives the highest standard of care.  Within the imaging landscape, no day looks the same – and each team can expect a different set of challenges to overcome, all while helping providers gain better diagnostic clarity.  “Every day in imaging is a little bit different, and I love that,” said Savannah Terrana, Outpatient CT Scan Technologist at Renown X-Ray and Imaging – Vista. “We start like everyone else: getting our rooms stocked and ready for patients and protocoling the day's exams. We have a lot of different types of scans, like x-ray, CT and bone density, and a variety of conditions that we are evaluating for the ordering providers, like fractures, cancer, bleeds and more.  “When we get into work, we get a daily assignment that decides whether we are in one of our outpatient or inpatient rooms,” added Ireland Bennett, Echo Technologist at Renown Regional. “Then when we are on inpatients, we get our assignments for whether we are assigned to transesophageal echocardiograms, the cath lab or pediatrics. When we are on outpatients, we get a set schedule for the day with patients every hour from 7:15 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. We do our best to be efficient as possible to not delay any patient care or discharges.”  “X-rays aren’t just for bones; we do chest X-rays to look for pneumonia and intestinal issues, and we also do fluoroscopy, which is a live video X-rays while patients drink contrast or while surgeons fix fractures with screws and other hardware in the operating room,” said Amethyst Winters, Inpatient Diagnostics Imaging Lead at Renown South Meadows. “There is a lot of variety, and we provide imaging for patients in the entire hospital.”  Equipped with advanced technologies and the unique skills they acquired in a trade program, at the university-level or in the military, the Imaging department can deliver precise and comprehensive information to help providers make accurate diagnoses. And their role transcends beyond the image scanner.  “A typical day for an MRI Technologist depends greatly on outpatient or inpatient settings,” said Sean Fryer, Supervisor of Imaging for Renown X-Ray and Imaging – Pringle. “There is a lot of screen time and usually in dark areas, but this is where our technologist skill set comes into play – manipulating parameters to either increase quality by signal/resolution or decrease them a little to gain time."  “A day in the life as an ultrasound tech would of course be performing ultrasounds on our patient community, but there is much more to it,” added Mary Rushton, Ultrasound Specialist at the Renown Breast Center. “This includes keeping rooms clean and stocked with supplies, protocoling exams and studying patient history so you can give the best patient care possible, continuing education and training to keep up with new technologies and being an aide to your radiologist. Working with many different personalities, you recognize that you cannot complete every step of the patient care process all by yourself – it requires collaboration from your team to give the ultimate patient care experience."  Mary brings up an excellent point about the wide variety of people her team meets every day, on both the patient and employee side, with the common goal of solving diagnostic mysteries. This aspect of their work has become one of the highlights of their career.  “Working in imaging allows us to meet many members of our community,” Teresa Shutts, Breast Health Coordinator at Renown X-Ray and Imaging – Pringle. “We are responsible for providing imaging exams, managing patient needs and creating a comfortable and caring environment for people who are possibly going through the worst times of their lives.”  Along with every day being different, our Imaging team members thrive in their dynamic and fast-paced work environment, where efficiency and urgency are vital, especially among a constant stream of patients in need of timely diagnoses.  “Our days in CT are very fast paced,” said Shelly Lavin, Imaging Lead for Inpatient Diagnostics at Renown Regional. “Our modality is the first choice for assessing stroke and trauma patients. We are fortunate to have very competent tech aides who help work up CT orders by checking orders, IV status and labs. We generally have inpatients scheduled every half hour, and we work these around a very full ER list.  When we get extremely busy, we have to strategize how we schedule our patients in the various scanners to expedite exams and not delay patient care.”  “We provide patient care for those who come in for emergencies, trauma, inpatient care, surgery and fluoroscopy studies,” added Sean Elliott, Inpatient Radiology Technologist at Renown Regional. “I was always told in school that our main purpose was to help doctors better diagnose patients, and imaging provides many modalities to appropriately diagnose.”  Behind-the-scenes, our Imaging surgery schedulers are the keys to ensuring each appointment runs smoothly, communicating directly with patients to get their exams off to a good start.   “Every day it is my task to make sure we have everything we need to do the exam that is ordered for a patient,” said Isela Gonzalez, Surgery Scheduler for Renown X-Ray and Imaging – Double R. “This includes the order, authorization approval, completing the protocol, confirming the appointment, re-stating the address and directions, going over any prep for the exam and giving them their estimate cost for the exam. I always do my best to give the patient the best experience possible.”  Whether they are in the weeds of radiology or in the depths of patient coordination, Renown’s Imaging department is unmatched – and the direct beneficiaries are their patients.

Read More About Department Spotlight: Imaging