Comprehensive Stroke Center

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding, which can lead to permanent brain damage or even death if not treated quickly. That is why recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking care immediately can save lives and improve the chances of recovery.

At Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute, we understand the urgency and complexity of stroke care. Our Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Brownsville and Harlingen provide the highest level of diagnosis and treatment for even the most severe cerebrovascular diseases, from transient ischemic attacks to hemorrhagic strokes and large ischemic strokes. Our team combines 24/7 access to experienced neurologists, advanced imaging tools and personalized treatment plans to support every stage of care, from the first symptoms through rehabilitation.

Learn how to spot stroke symptoms, what to do in an emergency, how a stroke is diagnosed and why choosing a certified stroke care facility matters. Whether you are looking to reduce your risk of stroke or understand what to expect from stroke treatment, we are here to help every step of the way.

What Is a Comprehensive Stroke Center and What Does It Offer?

When treating a stroke, the level of care available can significantly impact patient outcomes. While a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) provides essential, guideline-driven care for routine stroke cases, a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) is equipped to manage the most severe and complex types of cerebrovascular diseases, including large ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Primary Stroke Center certification is awarded to hospitals that meet standards for better stroke care. These facilities offer a structured, stroke-focused program staffed by medical professionals trained in stroke diagnosis and treatment. They deliver individualized care to each stroke patient, promote patient involvement and ensure continuity of care after discharge. Additionally, PSCs collect and analyze stroke treatment performance data to continuously improve the quality of care.

A Comprehensive Stroke Center, however, goes beyond these baseline standards. These specialized stroke care facilities offer advanced capabilities, including:

  • Access to advanced imaging techniques such as MRI/MRA, CTA, DSA and transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography
  • 24/7 availability of stroke-trained professionals in vascular neurology, neurosurgery and endovascular procedures
  • Round-the-clock access to imaging, operating rooms and endovascular suites
  • Dedicated intensive care or neuroscience ICU units for complex stroke cases
  • Extensive experience managing patients with life-threatening conditions like subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke

These centers meet the rigorous standards of stroke certification, making them an ideal destination for patients requiring the highest stroke treatment and monitoring level.

Whether you are facing a cerebrovascular accident or seeking the most advanced care for a loved one, choosing a comprehensive stroke center can make all the difference in stroke recovery and long-term outcomes.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke, and When Should I Call 911?

Recognizing the signs of a stroke early can be the difference between life, death or long-term disability. While stroke symptoms often appear suddenly, they can sometimes progress over hours or even days, especially in the case of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke.” A TIA may resolve on its own, but it is often a warning sign that a more serious cerebrovascular accident may follow.

The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke and the area of the brain affected. However, there is an easy way to remember the most common warning signs using the acronym FAST:

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel numb or weak?

S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

T – Time: If you see any of these symptoms, even if they disappear, call 911 immediately.

Time is critical during a stroke. Stroke care facilities use the onset of symptoms to determine which stroke treatment options are available. Rapid response improves outcomes, so you should never drive yourself or others to the hospital. Emergency responders can begin lifesaving interventions before arriving at a stroke center.

Other stroke warning signs include sudden:

  • Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination or trouble walking
  • Severe headache with no known cause

These symptoms may signal a cerebrovascular disease that demands immediate medical attention. If you or someone near you experiences any of these warning signs, do not wait. Call 911 immediately. Quick action can significantly impact stroke recovery and long-term health.

What Emergency Stroke Treatments Are Available?

When it comes to stroke, every second counts. Prompt and effective stroke treatment is critical to minimizing long-term damage and improving the chances of recovery. Most patients are treated in a hospital’s dedicated stroke unit, where a team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists and neurosurgeons, works quickly to evaluate and manage care. Treatment varies depending on the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), how much time has passed since symptoms began and the patient’s overall health.

Ischemic Stroke Treatment

The majority of strokes are ischemic, caused by a blood clot that disrupts circulation in the brain. The first line of emergency stroke treatment for ischemic stroke is a medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Administered intravenously, tPA works by dissolving clots and restoring blood flow. It is most effective when given within three hours of symptom onset and may be considered up to 4.5 hours later in some patients with minimal brain damage.

If tPA is not appropriate, neurologists may prescribe anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin or clopidogrel) to reduce the risk of additional clots forming. However, these medications come with a risk of bleeding, so their use is carefully monitored.

In more severe cases, procedures such as thrombectomy may be necessary. This minimally invasive approach uses a catheter inserted through the upper thigh to remove the clot directly from the blocked artery. Techniques such as angioplasty, stenting or a stent retriever may also be used to reopen arteries and improve circulation.

If carotid artery disease is contributing to the stroke, patients may undergo a carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove plaque buildup from the arteries in the neck and prevent future strokes.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment

A hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain, requires urgent care. Treatment begins as quickly as possible and depends on the location and severity of the bleed.

Medications are used to reduce blood pressure and lower stress on blood vessels in the brain. Vitamin K may also help the blood clot and stop the bleeding.

For many patients, surgery is required to manage or reverse the damage. Procedures may include:

  • Aneurysm clipping to stop bleeding and prevent rupture
  • Coil embolization using a catheter to seal an aneurysm
  • Blood transfusions to replace lost blood
  • Draining excess fluid to relieve pressure in the brain
  • Temporary removal of part of the skull to reduce swelling
  • Surgical removal of pooled blood or radiation therapy to treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are tangled blood vessels prone to rupture

Whether a patient receives medication or surgery, the goal of stroke treatment is always the same: to preserve brain function, prevent further complications and improve the patient’s chances of survival.

What Diagnostic Tests Are Used to Evaluate a Stroke?

When a stroke is suspected, time is critical. Your doctor will assess your stroke symptoms through a combination of medical history, physical exam and specialized diagnostic tests to determine the type of cerebrovascular accident, its cause and the area of the brain affected.

The goal is to distinguish between different types of stroke, such as a TIA, ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke and to begin appropriate stroke treatment as quickly as possible. If your provider suspects a TIA, additional testing may help reduce your risk of stroke in the future.

Medical History and Physical Exam

A detailed physical exam helps your provider evaluate the severity of the stroke and identify symptoms like confusion, weakness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination or balance and vision issues. These findings help determine the type of stroke and guide treatment decisions.

Your doctor will also ask about any personal or family history of cerebrovascular diseases and assess for common causes of ischemic stroke, such as carotid artery stenosis. A stethoscope may be used to detect a bruit (a whooshing sound that could indicate plaque buildup in the carotid arteries), restricting blood flow to the brain.

Imaging Tests for Stroke Diagnosis

Imaging tests are essential for identifying the cause, location and extent of brain damage. These tests allow providers at a stroke center or stroke care facility to move quickly from diagnosis to treatment.

  • The computed tomography (CT) scan is often the first test performed after a suspected stroke. A CT scan provides detailed X-ray images of the brain to detect bleeding or tissue damage.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify subtle changes in brain tissue and is sometimes used alongside or instead of a CT scan. This test helps reveal damaged areas that may not appear on a CT.
  • The digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and positron emission tomography (PET) may be used to detect blocked or narrowed vessels, an intracranial aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An AVM is a tangle of blood vessels that can increase the risk of hemorrhage.

Additional Tests

  • Blood tests: These help evaluate blood sugar levels, red blood cell and platelet counts and clotting ability. The results can guide the use of stroke medication and detect other conditions contributing to the event.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test detects heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation, which can cause blood clots that lead to an ischemic stroke.
  • Lumbar puncture: If imaging does not detect bleeding but a hemorrhagic stroke is still suspected, a spinal tap may be performed to test spinal fluid for signs of bleeding.

Together, these tests provide a comprehensive picture of what is happening in the brain. Whether you have had a TIA, a brainstem stroke or another form of stroke, rapid diagnosis is key to effective stroke recovery and long-term outcomes.

Find a Neurologist in the Rio Grande Valley

If you think you are at risk of developing a neurological condition, such as a stroke or have symptoms from an undiagnosed condition or injury affecting the brain, spine or nerves, Valley Baptist Neuroscience Institute is your destination for neurological care in South Texas. 

Our locations in Brownsville and Harlingen offer comprehensive neurological services combined with advanced technology and compassion. Call 855-720-7448 to connect with one of our experienced neurologists for proper diagnosis and advice for available treatment options suited to your condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

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