Supporting you through Stroke Recovery at AHN Canonsburg Hospital

Recovering from a stroke can be overwhelming for patients and families. At AHN Canonsburg Hospital’s Stroke Center, our team is here to guide you through each stage — from the moment you arrive at the hospital to treatment and recovery.

What happens during and after a stroke?

A stroke, also known as a “brain attack,” happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. The sooner you get care, the less damage a stroke can cause.

To spot symptoms of a stroke, remember the acronym “BE FAST.”

Balance: Dizziness or loss of balance
Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing
Facial drooping: Drooping on one side
Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
Speech: Struggling to speak or understand language (aphasia)
Time: Call 911 right away

“Our EMS providers are trained to notice stroke symptoms within seconds,” said Kayla Powell, manager of Canonsburg Hospital’s stroke program. “They alert our team so we’re ready as soon as the patient arrives in the ER.”

What to expect when you get to the hospital

As a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center — an advanced certification for high-level care — Canonsburg Hospital has a dedicated stroke treatment program staffed by stroke specialists.

When you arrive at the hospital, the team may:

• Check your physical and neurological status.
• Do brain scans to look for any bleeding or blockages.
• Give you medication to help stop stroke symptoms or prevent further damage.
• Begin treatment or move you to the stroke unit for recovery.

Stroke rehab and recovery

Recovery looks different for each person, but the goal of the Stroke Center is always the same: to help patients regain strength, communication, and movement skills. 

AHN’s rehab team will create an individualized treatment program tailored to your needs. This may include working with you for a few hours each day on different physical therapy exercises, such as:

• Squeezing stress balls to improve hand strength and range of motion.
• Practicing everyday tasks like climbing stairs and getting in and out of a car.
• Shifting your weight from one leg to the other to improve balance.

“Every recovery journey is unique,” said Powell. “We remind patients not to compare themselves to others. Healing takes time, and progress is different for everyone.”

Support for you and your loved ones

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. AHN has resources to support you during your transition back home, including:

• Stroke navigators who will continue to check in regularly and help you schedule doctor appointments.
• Stroke support groups to connect you with others who are recovering from a stroke.
• Depression screenings to monitor your mental health.
• At-home guides, exercise tools, and tips for staying active during recovery.

Getting you back to your life

After a stroke, our stroke center at AHN Canonsburg Hospital is dedicated to helping you feel more like yourself again. Learn more about how to get support or help a loved one through stroke recovery with Canonsburg Hospital’s rehabilitation services.