Every minute matters when a stroke occurs. At Barnes-Jewish & Washington University Neuroscience Center, we understand the importance of rapid, accurate treatment to prevent death and preserve brain function. Patients arriving here are treated faster than at most national emergency departments, and their recoveries are more successful. And our nationally-recognized research continues to put us at the forefront of new and specialized stroke treatments, giving more patients a better chance against this debilitating condition.
Understanding Stroke
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked, resulting in brain cell death and loss of brain function. Stroke can be caused by a thrombosis (blood clot), embolism (blockage) or hemorrhage (bleeding). Common symptoms after a stroke include the inability to move parts of one side of the body, difficulty with speech, or problems with eyesight.
Rapid Treatment of Stroke
Immediate treatment is key to limiting the extent of brain injury resulting from stroke. Patients brought into the emergency department are seen within minutes by experts in acute stroke care.
The only FDA-approved drug for acute stroke, tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), is given as soon as possible. tPA is a clot-busting drug that can significantly reduce long-term disability if given within the first three hours after a stroke occurs. Patients arriving after the three hour “tPA window” are given the opportunity to receive investigational drugs. Current research being done at the Neuroscience Center is looking into ways to extend that treatment window for strokes in the back of the brain. The presence of an around-the-clock acute stroke team, backed by unmatched research efforts like these, enables Barnes-Jewish Hospital to be one of the few St. Louis hospitals to offer this range of therapies.
Stroke Rehabilitation
Once stroke occurs and is stabilized, our specialists provide services for prevention of subsequent stroke, extended rehabilitation and life-long follow-up care.
Our goal is to restore or compensate for the loss of speech, movement and sight skills as much as possible. In fact, compared to national averages, a significantly higher number of our stroke patients are able to return home rather than move to nursing homes for care.
We use state-of-the-art behavioral and pharmacological interventions to improve function. Technology-based rehabilitation methods, including weight-supported treadmill gait training, robotic-enhanced gait training, and functional electrical stimulation are being evaluated. A portion of our unit is dedicated to the care of behavioral and cognitive deficits after traumatic brain injury.
For more information on stroke and the services provided, visit:
For a referral to a Washington University neurologist or neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) or toll-free 866-867-3627.