Patients brought into the emergency department are seen within minutes by experts in acute stroke care. The care team may provide a variety of treatment options, including medication and surgery.
At MoBap, we understand the importance of rapid, accurate treatment to prevent death and preserve brain function. Patients arriving here are treated by specially-trained neurology specialists who are on the forefront of new and specialized stroke treatments, giving more patients a better chance against this debilitating condition. When it comes to a stroke, time is brain.
What is Stroke?
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States, behind diseases of the heart, lung and cancer. It is also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked, resulting in brain cell death and loss of brain function. Stroke can be caused by a blood clot (also called thrombosis), blockage (also called embolism) or bleeding (also called hemorrhage). When a blood vessel is blocked, it cannot carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.
Common symptoms after a stroke include the inability to move parts of one side of the body, difficulty with speech or swallowing, or problems with eyesight. These symptoms can disappear quickly within 24 hours, or they can persist much longer.
The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction
Missouri Baptist was awarded a “Certificate of Distinction as a Primary Stroke Center” by The Joint Commission. The stroke program cares for more than 500 stroke and TIA (also called mini-stroke) patients.
MoBap is able to diagnose, treat and manage patients presenting with stroke symptoms at the emergency department, as well as patients directly admitted or transferred from other facilities.
Members of the Primary Stroke Team are multidisciplinary healthcare providers, including hospitalists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, critical care physicians, neuroradiologists, Magnet®-recognized nurses, rehabilitation specialists and a registered dietitian.
High Performance
Missouri Baptist is ranked among the top regional hospitals by U.S. News as high performing in stroke care.
For more information regarding stroke services in St. Louis or to schedule an appointment at MoBap, please call 314.996.5433 or 800.392.0936.