Brain and Spine Center
The Baylor Scott & White – 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. Some of the conditions treated and services offered include:
- Brain aneurysms
- Brain and spinal tumors
- Complex spine disorders
- Epilepsy
- Headache
- Memory Loss
- Minimally invasive spine
- Movement disorders
- Neuromodulation
- Neuropsychology
- Pain management
- Peripheral nerve disorders
- Stroke
The Center features an experienced team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro interventional radiologists, critical care physicians, oncologists, and other physicians on the Baylor Scott & White – Plano medical 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 specialist
- Brain and spine ICU beds
- Certified Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission
- Enhanced surgical equipment
- Epilepsy monitoring unit
- Neuro interventional biplane angiography suite
- Patient navigation
- Research and clinical trials
Stroke
Baylor Scott & White – Plano is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV GL – Healthcare, reflecting the highest level of competence in treating stroke and stroke complications. The prestigious certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. The medical center has the advanced technologies, specialized physicians on the medical staff and highly trained support team vital to quickly diagnosing and treating patients experiencing a stroke.
There are three types of stroke:
- Ischemic, caused by a blockage
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), caused by a temporary blockage and also referred to as a mini stroke
- 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:
- Manage chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, sickle cell disease, and diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Nutrition/Diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
Warning Signs
An easy way to notice warning signs of a stroke is BEFAST:
- 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