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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.