Stroke: Act Fast. Save Brain.
If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 right away.
A stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts.
Brain cells begin to die within minutes, making stroke the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Fast treatment improves the chances of recovery and reduces long-term effects.
Know the Signs: BE FAST
- B: Balance loss
- E: Eye (vision) changes
- F: Face drooping
- A: Arm weakness
- S: Speech difficulty
- T: Time to call 911
Stroke Treatment
- Call 911 at the first sign of a stroke—don’t drive yourself.
- Fast treatment can reduce disability.
- Some strokes may be treated with clot-busting medicine.
- In some cases, doctors can remove the clot (mechanical thrombectomy).
Stroke Care at Phelps Health
Phelps Health is designated as a Level III Stroke Center in Missouri and is equipped to diagnose stroke 24/7/365.
Using advanced teleneurology, our care team connects you with board-certified neurologists in real time—so you get expert care close to home.
If you need a higher level of care, we will stabilize you and arrange transfer quickly.
Stroke Recovery
Rehabilitation plays a key role in stroke recovery, helping you regain strength, skills and independence. We offer the following recovery services:
- Acute Rehabilitation Unit
- Sub-acute facility
- Outpatient therapy
- Home Health
These resources allow you to recover close to home, surrounded by your support system.
Learn more about our accreditations.
Preventing Stroke
You can reduce your risk by:
○ Checking your risk: Take the stroke risk assessment here.
○ Eating a healthy diet
○ Staying physically active
○ Maintaining a healthy weight
○ Living tobacco-free
○ Managing chronic conditions
○ Taking medications as prescribed
○ Building a prevention plan with your healthcare team
When to Call 911
Call 911 immediately if you notice:
○ Sudden balance problems
○ Vision changes
○ Face drooping
○ Arm weakness
○ Speech difficulty
Don’t wait. Don’t drive yourself. Every minute matters.