Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano
A team approach to neurological care
The Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano Brain and Spine Center provides comprehensive care for a wide range of brain and spine conditions. We take a team approach to care, developing custom care plans for each patient.
The Plano brain and spine center features an experienced team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-interventional radiologists, critical care physicians, oncologists and other physicians on staff who are specialty and/or subspecialty trained in brain and spine care, as well as a specialized clinical support team. The program features:
- Advanced clinical nurse specialists
- Brain and spine ICU beds
- Brain OR suite
- Enhanced surgical equipment
- Neuro-interventional biplane angiography suite
- Outpatient comprehensive stroke clinic
- Outpatient neurodiagnostic clinic
- Patient navigators
- Research and clinical trials
Stroke
Baylor Scott & White – Plano is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV – Healthcare, reflecting the highest level of competence in treating stroke and stroke complications. The prestigious certification is based on standards from the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. We have the advanced technologies, specialized physicians on staff and highly trained support team vital to quickly diagnosing and treating strokes.
Types of strokes
- Ischemic, caused by a blockage
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA), caused by a temporary blockage and also referred to as a ministroke
- Hemorrhagic, caused by a weakened blood vessel bursting. Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations can cause a hemorrhagic stroke, but the most common source of hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled high blood pressure
Uncontrollable risk factors for stroke
- Females have more strokes than males
- Stroke can occur at any age, but the risk doubles every decade from age 65
- Family history
- African Americans have a higher risk of stroke than Caucasians
- A previous stroke
Controllable risk factors for stroke
- Atrial fibrillation
- Manage chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, sickle cell disease and diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Nutrition/Diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
B.E.F.A.S.T. if you suspect a stroke
Knowing the signs of a stroke is one of the keys to successful recovery. Dr. Rashedul Hasan, MD, a vascular neurologist associated with Baylor Scott & White Health, discusses what to do when someone is having a stroke, common misconceptions about stroke, and the latest breakthroughs in treatment.
Warning signs
An easy way to notice warning signs of a stroke is B.E.F.A.S.T.:
- Balance—Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Eyes—Sudden loss or changes in vision in one or both eyes
- Face—Facial droop, uneven smile
- Arm—Arm numbness or weakness
- Speech—Slurred speech, difficulty speaking or understanding
- Time—Time to get help immediately
Clinical trials and research
Baylor Scott & White Research Institute (BSWRI) maintains a comprehensive research portfolio designed to study and expand options for all aspects of stroke prevention and care. This work includes trials focused on improving quality of life and rehabilitation after stroke, as well as methods to prevent stroke, including early detection and extraction of blood clots and treating conditions that can lead to a stroke. There are trials currently underway at select Baylor Scott & White facilities throughout Texas.