Stroke Care
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It’s the main cause of adult disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
It’s extremely important to identify and treat a stroke as quickly as possible, which is why UNC REX Healthcare has a dedicated stroke care team. This team of physicians, clinicians and support staff are trained to care for stroke patients quickly, effectively and compassionately.
Working Together for You
At UNC REX Healthcare, our multidisciplinary stroke team works to reduce the effects of stroke by providing prompt evaluation and treatment of stroke symptoms.
The stroke services care team at UNC REX Healthcare includes:
Not only will you find immediate support from every member of the team, but they’ll also work with you to provide expert follow-up care.
Nationally Recognized Stroke Care
UNC REX Healthcare is a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. This means that UNC REX has met criteria developed by the Joint Commission in conjunction with the American Stroke Association and provides exceptional care that meets the unique needs of a stroke patient and improves outcomes.
UNC REX has been a Joint Commission approved Stroke Center since 2011.
24/7 Stroke Care
UNC REX performs Endovascular Thrombectomies for stroke patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team includes highly qualified and experienced physicians who can perform the treatment at any time. An Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a specialized surgical procedure used to remove a blood clot from the brain during an ischemic stroke - a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain. The procedure involves placing a catheter into the brain and removing the clot that is causing the stroke.
Since UNC REX implemented the Neurointerventional Radiology (NIR) Program, 49% of ischemic stroke patients that received an EVT improved so significantly they were able to be discharged back home or to inpatient rehabilitation. Removing blood clots from the brain leads to better outcomes for stroke patients, including greater independence and mobility.
Advanced Technology and Treatments
When a stroke occurs, every second counts.
Our stroke team is trained to diagnose and treat these types of stroke quickly and effectively. Treatment options include:
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- Carotid Endarterectomy
- Clot-Dissolving Intravenous Medications
Risk Factors for Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
These and other risk factors such as a family history of stroke, race (particularly African-American), poor diet, lack of exercise and having other heart problems like atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure can stack the odds of a stroke against you.
Recovery
Every stroke patient will also meet with a Care Coordinator who will work with your care team to ensure you are getting the continued help you need through rehabilitation, home care, fitness experts or nutrition experts.
