Stroke symptoms require immediate care
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or breaks (hemorrhagic stroke). During a stroke, nearly two million brain cells die every minute, which makes getting the right care fast critical to limiting long-term disability or even saving life.
Baylor Scott & White Health offers advanced stroke care quickly through our emergency departments and stroke centers across North and Central Texas.
In many cases, a medication to eliminate blockages and restore blood flow (thrombolytic therapy) can be given, but it must be administered shortly after stroke symptoms begin. Other treatment and recovery options for a stroke may include:
- Medication
- Procedures
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Carotid stenting
- Craniotomy
- Patent foramen ovale closure
- Surgery to repair aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations
- Thrombectomy
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Risk factors for stroke
Chances of having a stroke can increase based on certain factors.
Uncontrollable risk factors for stroke
- Females have more strokes than males
- Stroke can occur at any age, but the risk doubles every decade from age 65
- Family history
- African Americans have a higher risk of stroke than Caucasians
- A previous stroke
Controllable risk factors for stroke
- Manage chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, sickle cell disease and diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Nutrition/Diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
Stroke treatment options
There is no cure for stroke once it has occurred, but advanced medical and surgical stroke treatments are available. These can help reduce your risk for another stroke.
Treatment for stroke is most effective when started right away, so it's important to know the signs of stroke and call 911 immediately if you suspect a stroke.
Treatment plans for patients will be determined by their care team based on age, medical history, type of stroke and personal preferences.
Treatment options
- Medication
- Thrombolytic therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Surgery
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Carotid stenting
- Craniotomy
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure
- Surgery to repair aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Baylor Scott & White offers stroke care or telestroke care at more than a dozen locations across Central and North Texas.
Comprehensive Stroke Center
Primary Stroke Centers
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano
- Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
Primary Stroke Centers
- Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Irving
- 江南体育足球直播贝勒Scott &白色医学中心——黑湖
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie
Telestroke care
Many smaller Baylor Scott & White community hospital emergency departments have immediate access to neurologists specializing in stroke care 24/7 through telemedicine. This technology allows a stroke specialist at one of our major stroke care facilities to examine a suspected stroke patient via video call and guide their treatment.
With telestroke technology, medical staff in the emergency department can:
- Consult with a board-certified vascular neurologist (within five minutes of neurologist being paged)
- Administer Alteplase, a clot-busting medication, under the guidance of a board-certified vascular neurologist via video
- Initiate patient transfer to a Baylor Scott & White comprehensive stroke center if a higher level of care is needed
- Screen patients who have experienced stroke symptoms within the last 24 hours for all types of acute strokes
Dallas officer makes quick recovery after stroke
A Dallas police officer was back on the job less than a week after suffering a stroke—the fastest recovery Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas has ever seen.
Looking for a stroke support group near you? Baylor Scott & White offers robust stroke resources for stroke victims and those who care for them, including both virtual stroke support groups and in-person meetings in North and Central Texas.
Stroke survivor and caregiver support groups can aid in stroke recovery by helping patients and their loved ones adjust to the changes in their life after a stroke. While family and friends play an important role in recovery, support groups for stroke victims can also help by allowing patients to share their journey with others going through a similar experience.
All stroke victims and caregivers are welcome at any of our groups regardless of where they are receiving care.
Virtual and in-person stroke support
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station
When
4th Tuesday of every month from 2:30 - 3:15 PM
Format
In-person
Where
1600 Joseph Dr, Ste 2000
Bryan, TX 77802
Registration
No registration needed
For questions, please contact Charlla Neason at979.213.7037orCharlla.Neason@EncompassHealth.com.
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
When
Every Wednesday from 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Format
In-person
Where
3 Truett, 3500 Gaston Ave
Dallas TX 75246
Registration
No registration required
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine
When
3rd Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Format
Virtual (Zoom)
Registration
EmailRaBressler@BSWRehab.comandDesLogan@BSWRehab.com
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest
When
Last Tuesday of every month from 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Format
In-person
Where
613 Carlyle Dr
Waco, TX 76710
Registration
No registration required
Questions
Call254.744.9774
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney
When
3rd Wednesday of every month from 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Format
In-person
Where
Darling classroom (2nd floor)
5252 W University Dr
McKinney, TX 75071
Registration
To register: EmailCharisse.Barnes@BSWHealth.org
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano
When
3rd Tuesday of every month from 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Format
In-person
Where
Education Rooms 1-4 (Ground level)
4700 Alliance Blvd
Plano, TX 75093
Registration
No registration required
For questions, please contactShanda.Sinkey@BSWHealth.org
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple
When
1st Tuesday of every other month from 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Format
In-person
Where
Brindley Circles, 5th Floor, Room 504
2401 S 31st St
Temple, TX 76508
Registration
No registration required
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie
When
3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00 -7:00 PM (starting Feb. 21)
Format
In-person
Where
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie
Pitts Board Room
2400 N I35 E
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Registration
No registration needed
For questions, please contact Kelli Hall atKelli.Puente@BSWHealth.organd Lori Taffet atLETaffet@BSWRehab.com.
B.E.F.A.S.T. if you suspect a stroke
Knowing the signs of a stroke is one of the keys to successful recovery. Rashedul Hasan, MD, a vascular neurologist associated with Baylor Scott & White Health, discusses what to do when someone is having a stroke, common misconceptions about stroke and the latest breakthroughs in stroke treatment.