Seconds count for a stroke victim, and acting quickly can make all the difference in a patient’s outcome. We have an advanced rapid response system in place that expedites care quickly and can help minimize brain damage in a stroke victim. Within three hours of symptoms onset, patients considered for t-PA therapy undergo CT scans, physical examinations, case history reviews, blood tests and neurological assessments.

Brain damage in stroke victims can be minimized through the use of t-PA, also known as the “clot buster.” Patients are monitored according to national standards. The Texas Neurosciences Institute is forming a dedicated stroke team whose focus will be on excellence in patient treatment and care, community outreach, continuing education and certifications of nursing staff.

Warning Signs
What is a Stroke
Importance of Time
New Treatments
Treatment Risks
Stroke Prevention

Warning Signs
Every year, strokes strike nearly 550,000 Americans - killing 150,000 and forever changing the lives of the 400,000 who survive. learning these signs of a stroke could save your life:

• Dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination
• Sudden, unexplainable and intense headache
• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of face, arm, or leg
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
• Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes

What is a Stroke
Stroke is a "brain attack", cutting of vital supplies of blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do - From speaking, to walking, to breathing. These "brain attacks" occur in different ways, but there are two main types. A stroke happens when an artery becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke).

An ischemic stroke is caused by blockage resulting from a blood clot that forms either in an artery of the brain or in another part of the body, like the heart, and then travels through the blood stream to the brain where it becomes lodged in a vessel.

The clot prevents the brain from receiving the oxygen it needs to function properly. Once the brain cells are deprived of blood and oxygen, they begin to die. This may cause permanent damage to the affected area of the brain and may result in disability or even death.

Importance of Time
Stroke is a medical emergency, and time is critical. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and being aware of the time factor involved in seeking immediate medical treatment can greatly reduce the chance of permanent damage or disability.

All patience being considered for t-PA therapy must have a CT (or CAT) scan, a physical examination, blood tests, a neurological assessment, and a patient history - all within a timeframe that will allow t-PA treatment to begin with in three (3) hours of symptom onset. When stroke patients get to the hospital as early as possible, the doctors can work to determine whether t-PA treatment is appropriate. Patients and family members can help by answering any questions asked of them.

New Treatment May Help
Everyone has some stroke risk - even you. the good news is that more than half of all strokes can be prevented by reducing risks, and in some cases, the brain damage may be minimized with prompt medical treatment utilizing t-PA, the "clot buster."

Treatment is Not Without Risk
As with many medications, there are risks involved with t-PA therapy. This "clot-buster" medication dissolves blood clots, therefore increasing the risk of bleeding complications. One person in 15 given t-PA, bleeds into the brain even if t-PA is administered according to strict guidelines.

The required pre-treatment evaluation helps doctors determine whether or not a stroke patient can be treated with t-PA or whether that patient is at high risk for unwanted bleeding or other adverse events. In patients who meet the criteria to receive t-PA, the benefit is greater than the risk.
While t-PA is a new treatment for the acute ischemic stroke, it is not a new medication. It has been used successfully in the past to treat heart attack patients. If you are at risk of a stroke, please discuss with your physician your eligibility and risk of treatment.

Prevention of Future Strokes
There are many risk factors for strokes, some of which are beyond your control, such as being over age 55, being a male, being African American, being diabetic, or having a family history of stroke. Risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and smoking.

While t-PA may be an effective treatment in carefully selected patients with an acute ischemic stroke, it does not treat the underlying cause. Through a combination of medical attention and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of a stroke.

Individuals who have suffered one stroke are at increased risk of having another one. It is critical that individuals who experience the symptoms of another stroke seek emergency medical help immediately to take advantage of t-PA treatment options.