Collin County Living Well Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 25

Stroke Care:
Why Time Matters
Courtesy Medical Center of Plano

I

n the case of some ailments or medical conditions, it’s often advised to take a wait-and-see
approach. However, in the case of stroke, also
known as a brain attack, time is truly of the essence.
Here’s why:
A stroke causes a disruption in the blood flow to
the brain, which, in turn, causes brain cells to die.
The longer it takes to receive medical treatment, the
greater the chance of permanent disability or death.
The American Stroke Association reports that stroke
is the most common cause of adult disability and
the third most common cause of death in the United
States.
There are different types of strokes. If the cause of a
stroke is a blood clot, clot-busting medication can help
prevent long-term disability if it is given within three
hours of the first signs of stroke.
Recent advances in medical technology have resulted in clot retrieval devices, which, when employed in
a timely manner, can be used to reopen blocked arteries, restore blood flow and help limit stroke damage.
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly, and can
vary from person to person. The American Stroke Association advises using the word “FAST” to help recognize stroke-warning signs and symptoms:

F = Face: When trying to smile, does one side of the
face droop?
A = Arms: Can the victim lift both arms, or does one
drop down?
S = Speech: Can the victim speak normally, or is
speech slurred?
T = Time: Time is critical, so call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately.
The Medical Center of Plano (TMCP) is the first hospital in
Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties to be awarded the “Certified
Comprehensive Stroke Center” designation, which recognizes it
as the most advanced stroke treatment center in the region. As a
regional hub in the Texas Stroke Institute’s network of recognized
hospitals for stroke care, TMCP receives patients from all over
North Texas and even surrounding states when complex stroke
cases require a higher level of technology or interventional therapies such as cutting-edge clot removal procedure. The good news
is that fast action can significantly reduce or even eliminate damage to the brain following a stroke attack.

In Front.
In Stroke
Care.

The FIRST Certified Comprehensive
Stroke Center in Collin, Denton &
Dallas Counties.

Already regarded as the best in the region, The
Medical Center of Plano now offers the highest level
stroke care. As a Certified Comprehensive Stroke
Center, patients are assured a dedicated 24-7 stroke
team, advanced technologies, strong integrated EMS
partnerships and Interventional Neurologists ready
to fight the most complex cases. And with our highly
skilled neuroscience nursing care and rehabilitation,
patients can quickly get back to normal.
Vallabh Janardhan, MD
Interventional Neurologist

Learn more at www.TheMedicalCenterOfPlano.com
or www.NeuroLinkPlano.com.
NeuroLinkPlano.com
themedicalcenterofplano.com | 3901 West 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075 | 972.596.6800