The overview
The medical center is now a designated primary stroke center, or PSC, following a national certification by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
As a PSC, the medical center offers specialized treatment for stroke patients. This includes, but is not limited to, the following services offered around-the-clock:
- Board-certified telehealth neurologists
- Emergency physicians
- Stroke-trained nurses
Additionally, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Austin works with local emergency medical services for streamlined transport services and immediate intervention, BS&W officials said.
The specialized treatment services at the medical center allow patients to receive comprehensive care in one central place, rather than having to travel to another hospital for stroke treatment.
Dr. Farzan Ghodsianzadeh, neurologist and medical director of stroke care at BS&W Medical Center-Austin, said the center sees a “significant number” of patients in the area. He said the team is also seeing more patients under 50 impacted by stroke, making the PSC especially important.
“Having a certified stroke center right here in Austin brings expert care closer to where our younger population lives, which means faster treatment and better outcomes,” he said.
Know the signs
Recognizing the signs of stroke “can save a life,” stroke team officials said. The stroke team suggests remembering the acronym BE FAST for stroke emergencies:
- Balance issues or vertigo
- Eye problems or vision loss
- Face dropping
- Arm/leg weakness and/or numbness
- Time to call 911
