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Neuroscience Center

Call 580.531.4700

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 as much of an 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

  • Approximately 800,000 strokes/year = 1 stroke about every 40 seconds
  • 15-30% are permanently disabled
  • 20% require institutional care 3 months after onset
  • In 2010: Stroke was the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and in Oklahoma, killing approximately 165,000 people
  • About 40% of stroke deaths are males and 60% are females
  • Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability and nursing home admissions
  • ASA estimates strokes cost the U.S. $73.7 billion/year
  • 80% of all strokes are PREVENTABLE

Stroke Warning Signs

  • SUDDEN numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • SUDDEN confusion or trouble speaking/ understanding.
  • SUDDEN dimness/loss of vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • SUDDEN dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking or lack of coordination.
  • SUDDEN severe headache with no cause.

 

 

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.