How Ronald Banks’ Quick Thinking Led to His Full Recovery
On December 4, 2024, Ronald Banks was relaxing at home, watching a football game. While trying to get comfortable, he felt something like a click in his shoulder, and then weakness in his left arm from the shoulder to his hand.
Luckily, his cousin lives nearby, and he walked to her house for assistance. By then, his speech started to slur and his face drooped slightly. His cousin called 911, and Ronald was taken to Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital.
Neurologist Robert Jackson, MD, explained that the stroke team was ready and waiting for Ronald when he arrived in the ED because of early “Code Stroke” prenotification by EMS.
“On arrival, he was quickly assessed and I determined that he was likely suffering from an acute ischemic stroke,” Dr. Jackson says. “He initially could barely lift his entire left arm off the gurney and had significant weakness in his left leg and face. He was also having difficulty speaking. This calculated to an NIHSS severity score of 5.” The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health) Stroke Scale is used to grade the severity of a stroke.
From Arrival to Treatment in 12 Minutes
Dr. Jackson says that during a stroke “time is brain” and every second is critical to reduce brain damage. In other words, every minute that the brain tissue is without oxygen, 1.9 million neurons per minute are lost.
“The quicker the evaluation and diagnosis, the faster we can start treatment,” Dr. Jackson explains. “We emergently rushed Ronald to the CT scanner, where I reviewed his images and determined that he was a candidate for receiving a clot-dissolving medication known as TNK (Tenecteplase), and promptly treated within 12 minutes of his arrival.”
Ronald says he felt great after receiving the medication and was grateful for the quick action by EMS and the stroke team at Temecula Valley Hospital.
“I was in the intensive care unit the first night and the nurses were wonderful. They checked on me every 15 minutes,” says Ronald. “This was a new situation for me, since I have never stayed in a hospital before. But I have to say I had a great patient experience. I felt like I was in a hotel. The food was good, and everyone I encountered was very friendly.”
Knowledge Is Key
Ronald, who lives an active life, says being in the hospital for three days did not really set him back. He feels great, did not have to do any rehab, and will be meeting with his doctor for a wellness check soon. He is grateful he knew enough to take quick action when the symptoms started.
“There is no family history of stroke, but growing up, my aunt was a nurse, and she lived to be almost 100 years old. I learned a lot from her, and I knew instantly it was a stroke and had to get help,” Ronald explains. “But you can have a stroke any time, depending on factors like stress, diet or family history. So, it’s always good to know what the signs and symptoms are.”
Dr. Jackson says Ronald made a wonderful recovery: “His treatment resulted in complete resolution of his left-sided weakness and a NIHSS of 0 by the next morning. This highlights the collaboration of both EMS, ER personnel, pharmacy, CT technicians, and the neurology team to be able to change the direction of a patient's life.”
Ronald, who likes to mountain bike, golf and fish, says Temecula Valley Hospital is the place to go if you have any health trouble: “I truly appreciate everything they did for me. They were kind, responsive, and very friendly. And, they saved my life!”
If you or a loved one are or may be experiencing symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden loss of balance, weakness, numbness, facial asymmetry or inability to speak, immediately call 911.