Albert Ware had only been in retirement for a few short years when he experienced a stroke. With the help of artificial intelligence, he bounced back within an hour of receiving care at the hospital.
Albert, a West Bloomfield man who worked at General Motors Safety Lab, retired after decades with the company.
To say he’s kept himself busy since then is an understatement.
“We do a minimum of three cruises per year and have enjoyed living life to the max,” Albert said.
However, he admitted that the cruises and many other adventures led him to make too many unhealthy choices on food and drinks.
Labor Day weekend started just like any other for Albert, but it would end much different.
“I went on a 9-mile bike ride with my son, then went out to dinner on several occasions while also enjoying the Detroit Jazz Festival, where we ate some fried foods from a food truck followed by a nightcap that evening,” Albert said.
On Labor Day morning, he said he was going to prepare barbecue, but after talking for a few minutes, he noticed his right arm began feeling numb. Thinking it was associated with sleeping on his arm, Albert did not initially think much of it, but he was having a stroke.
His wife, Wendy, a retired respiratory therapist, immediately recognized Albert’s symptoms, including drooping on the right side of his face, along with the numbness.
EMS quickly responded and took Albert to Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, where he said he remembers being able to hear people talk but unable to respond.
AI software in stroke diagnosis
Upon arrival, Albert underwent a specialized CT scan that provided results to physicians immediately. RapidAI uses artificial intelligence software that processes images and detects brain artery blockages, as well as the severity of that damage.
“When it comes to stroke care, ‘time is brain,’” said Dr. Aaron Lewandowski, an emergency room physician at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital who was part of the stroke team that treated Albert. “Use of technology like RapidAI allows us to provide more efficient and effective care, especially in the most time-sensitive hours of a stroke. It also allows all members of the team to coordinate care in real time to minimize the effects of a stroke.”
Because the stroke was recognized as quickly as it was, Dr. Alex Chebl, a vascular neurologist, was able to quickly conduct a thrombectomy procedure to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the brain.
“Thanks to the use of AI software, the stroke team at Henry Ford can, within a few minutes -- instead of 45-60 minutes -- review all of the brain scans and make treatment decisions very quickly,” Chebl said. “The software sends out notifications to team members, alerting them that there is a blockage on a scan. It’s like an early warning system that gets the team ready to act at a moment’s notice.”
Albert said while he was in the procedure room, as staff were asking him questions, he suddenly bounced back like a rubber band.
“It was as if nothing had ever happened,” he said. “Their stroke protocol was absolutely phenomenal.”
Albert was diagnosed with a hole between two chambers in his heart. Doctors said that’s what allowed the clot to travel to his brain. Cardiologists, in conjunction with the stroke neurology team, treated the hole with a minimally invasive procedure to greatly minimize his future risk of stroke.
Albert said he feels fortunate because, despite having a stroke, his recovery was exceptional. He has dropped more than 15 pounds by making healthier food choices.
“Everyone at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where I underwent the procedure to repair a hole in my heart -- from the nurses, doctors and others I interacted with -- were absolutely outstanding,” Albert said. “They were professional, kind and did everything to make sure I was OK. Between the care and the great technology, my faith and appreciation of Henry Ford Health has gone up 10-fold since this experience.”
Knowing signs of a stroke
Every second counts when someone is having a stroke. Know the acronym to spot the signs: F.A.S.T.
F – Face: Look for a dropping face or uneven smile.
A – Arm: Be aware of any arm weakness.
S – Speech: Pay attention to slurred speech and severe headache.
T – Time: Time is of the essence. Call 911 immediately.
Henry Ford will hold a stroke awareness virtual educational webinar on May 14, where Dr. Pouya Entezami, a neurosurgeon at Henry Ford Health, will discuss how to spot a stroke and why time is so crucial to getting medical treatment for a suspected stroke. Participants will learn how to reduce risk factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke.
In a stroke emergency, having an experienced team with access to the latest stroke treatment is critical.
Learn more about stroke treatment, recovery and prevention.