Skip to site content
Southwestern Medical Center is the first Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center in Southern Oklahoma. Our fully trained and accredited staff specialize in identifying and treating strokes in a timely fashion.
For inquiries please call 580-531-6448.
Stroke is the fifth highest cause of death in the United States. Stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is impeded due to blockages or ruptures. Strokes can be classified into three categories: ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s).
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.
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.
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.