Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is either reduced or stopped, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. A stroke may cause loss in brain function and affect movement and speech.
Stroke specialists in Austin and Central Texas
At St. David’s HealthCare, we want to help you achieve the highest quality of life possible after a stroke.
Our primary stroke facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging services and highly trained physicians and nurses. We are committed to giving you the best chance at a full recovery.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
St. David's Medical Center is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) through DNV-GL Healthcare. We received this recognition by demonstrating the ability to quickly and effectively treat strokes. We are also part of the Capital Area Trauma Regional Advisory Council for stroke preparedness and are recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services for stroke care.
Our primary stroke facilities include:
Comprehensive Stroke Center
St. David's Medical Center is a CSC, which is the highest level of stroke certification attainable. As a designated CSC, St. David's Medical Center uses the latest technology and systems. Our stroke specialists receive and treat the most complex stroke patients. We are committed to raising the bar for stroke care at every touchpoint in the stroke care continuum. This is exampled in our achievement of the Gold Plus Award, the highest stroke care recognition provided by AHA/ASA.
Primary Stroke Center - Thrombectomy Capable
Offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, St. David's Round Rock Medical Center is recognized as a primary stroke center with thrombectomy capabilities for our ability to provide the expertise to perform mechanical thrombectomy. This minimally invasive surgical procedure to removes a blood clot from an artery. This includes having neuro-intensive care and 24/7 on-site critical care coverage.
Types of strokes we treat
Strokes are usually either ischemic or hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke happens when an artery in the brain is blocked. This type of stroke is the most common, accounting for 87 percent of all strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the brain. From there, the blood accumulates and compresses the surrounding brain tissue.
Our specialists in neurological care are able to identify which type of stroke you have and administer the necessary treatments to save as much brain tissue as possible.
Stroke signs and symptoms
In some cases, stroke symptoms can happen gradually, over several hours. Signs of a stroke include:
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Onset of numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination
The acronym F.A.S.T. was developed to help people easily recognize the signs of a stroke:
- F: Face drooping
- A: Arm weakness
- S: Speech difficulty
- T: Time to call 911
Use this acronym to help identify if someone you love is experiencing stroke symptoms.
Our treatments for strokes
If you are experiencing an ischemic stroke, we provide endovascular thrombolysis and mechanical endovascular thrombectomy. We may also administer thrombolytic or clot-busting medication up to four-and-a-half hours of symptom onset.
For hemorrhagic stroke, we provide a variety of emergency management treatments up to 24 hours from the time your symptoms begin. Treatments include:
- Endovascular embolization (coiling)
- Surgical decompression
- Surgical clipping of aneurysms
- Surgical arteriovenous malformation (AVM) removal
Our rehabilitation services
We provide specialized and advanced stroke rehabilitation programs, including a recovery program dedicated to young stroke survivors. These programs incorporate physical, occupational and speech therapy services. We also offer driving, home safety and nutrition counseling.
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