Neuroscience Center

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Southwestern Neuroscience Center

Southwestern Medical Center is a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center. There is no need to go anywhere else. At Southwestern Neuroscience Center, you will receive excellent stroke care, right here at home.

If you would like to learn more about our Acute Stroke Treatment Program, Neuroscience Center or other services, please contact our Neuroscience Services Coordinator at 580.531.4700 and ask to speak with the Stroke Coordinator.

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What to Know About Stroke

Stroke is a true medical emergency, just like a heart attack. For the greatest chance of recovery, treatment must be provided within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. During a stroke, EVERY MINUTE COUNTS. Time lost is brain lost. If you or a loved one experiences the signs of a stroke, CALL 9-1-1.

Stroke Statistics

The following statistics were reported by the American Heart Association.

In 2021, stroke accounted for approximately 1 of every 21 deaths in the U.S.
Stroke caused more than 162,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021.
On average in 2021, someone in the U.S. died of stroke every 3 minutes and 14 seconds.
In 2021, there were 7.44 million deaths attributed to stroke worldwide.

How to Spot a Stroke

F = Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Is their smile uneven?
A = Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Can they lift one arm higher than the other?
S = Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Did they slur? Did their speech sound strange? Could they even repeat the phrase?
T = Time - If the person failed any part of the test, note the time and get help. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Let them know what time you gave this test so they can estimate the length of the stroke.

To determine your likelihood of having a stroke, click the button below.

Take The Stroke Risk Assessment

ISCHEMIC STROKES

There are two types of ischemic strokes, thrombotic and embolic. Thrombotic strokes occur when a blood clot, typically formed in arteries impaired by plaque, prohibits blood flow to the brain. Embolic strokes occur when a blood clot is carried through the blood stream and obstructs a blood vessel in or leading to the brain.

HEMORRHAGIC STROKES

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when brain blood flow is impeded due to a rupture or spontaneous bleeding of the arteries either in the brain or between the brain and skull. There are two types of hemorrhagic strokes, intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages. Hemorrhagic strokes are often caused by aneurysms, hypertension, blood thinning medications or trauma.

TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACKS

A TIA, also called a mini stroke, most resembles an ischemic stroke, but TIA’s are different because the effects are only temporary. A person suffering from a TIA should still seek medical attention as TIA’s are often warning signs of possible future stroke.