In an effort to reduce the long-term negative impact of stroke on our community, the Brain and Spine Institute has organized services into a seamless Stroke Center. The services patients receive have the critical elements to achieve long-term success and improve outcomes. The quality care provided is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

The Stroke Center at UT Medical Center has the critical elements to achieve long-term success and improve outcomes for patients. The stroke team is made up of physicians, nurses, social workers, dieticians, rehabilitation professionals, therapists, pharmacists and home care specialists. The quality care provided is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.

The UT Medical Center's Stroke Center provides prevention, diagnosis and treatment of stroke, cerebrovascular disorders, stroke-induced brain injuries, transient ischemic attacks and aneurysms. Patients will have access to many services, including the following.

• Medical therapies for stroke treatment and stroke prevention
• Swift triage, diagnosis and treatment within the Emergency Department
• Advanced neurosurgical techniques for stroke treatment and stroke prevention
• Interventional neuroradiology procedures
• Technological advancements based on research
• Rehabilitation services such as inpatient and outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
• LIFESTAR Aeromedical Transport 
• Available stroke clinical trials
• Support services such as pastoral care, social services, home care services and nutrition counseling
• Community outreach and education, including stroke awareness programs, health risk appraisals and stroke screenings

The most common form of stroke is due to blockage of a cerebral artery by either a blood clot or an atherosclerotic plaque. Neurosurgical intervention is rarely of benefit for this type of stroke.

Another type of stroke, known as hemorrhagic stroke, often results in the need for neurosurgical intervention. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, releasing blood under pressure into or around the surface of the brain. The rupture may be caused by an artery weakened by atherosclerosis—with or without associated hypertension—aneurysms of the blood vessels and malformation of blood vessels. Neurosurgeons frequently are called on to perform surgery to evacuate blood clots from within the brain. This is not necessary in every case but can be life-saving for some patients.

The most common reason for surgical intervention is to repair a cerebral aneurysm to prevent further rupture and hemorrhage. Current microsurgical techniques make it possible to surgically repair aneurysms with a 90 percent success rate and a mortality rate of less than 5 percent.

Critical components of the stroke program at UT Medical Center include

• Public education regarding reduction of risk factors and early identification of stroke symptoms.
• Rapid medical attention, integrating the community Emergency Medical System and the hospital Emergency Department.
• A designated stroke coordinator and stroke team with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke.
• A dedicated Stroke Unit with staff trained specifically in stroke care.
• Advanced technology for identification and treatment of stroke.
• Early identification of rehabilitation needs and inclusion of the patient and family in planning for follow-up care.