 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 quality care provided is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
Stroke is a general term referring to any disturbance of the blood supply to the brain resulting in symptoms of brain dysfunction. Strokes can occur at any age, although they are most commonly associated with elderly people. 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.
For answers to some common questions about stroke, click on the following links.
• What are the warning signs of stroke?
• What are the different kinds of stroke?
• How do I reduce my risk of a stroke?
• What is the treatment for a stroke?
Rehabilitation
Many patients begin to spontaneously recover from their strokes, slowly regaining lost abilities. This process usually is fastest during the first few weeks, but patients may continue to improve for a long time.
The prognosis for every stroke patient is different, depending on where in the brain the stroke occurs, how much damage is sustained and the patient’s overall health. Some patients will make a complete or nearly complete recovery. Others are disabled through the loss or partial loss of speaking ability or memory, while others suffer permanent paralysis or weakness. Rehabilitation programs and services commonly include physical, occupational and speech therapy customized to each individual patient. The Brain and Spine Institute offers the following rehabilitation services.
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.
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