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Stroke Center

Graphic with the BE Fast Stroke memonic. If you suspect a stroke, Be FAST. Check: balance, does this person have a loss of balance; eyes, has the person lost vision in one or both eyes; face, does the person's face look uneven; arms, can the person raise both arms for 10 seconds; speech, is the person's speech slurred; and time, time is brain. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect a stroke.

When a stroke occurs, immediate treatment is key to limiting the extent of brain injury.

If you suspect a stroke, call 9-1-1.

Take a stroke risk assessment

Patients brought into the emergency department are seen within minutes by experts in acute stroke care. The care team may provide a variety of treatment options, including medication and surgery.

At MoBap, we understand the importance of rapid, accurate treatment to prevent death and preserve brain function. Patients arriving here are treated by specially-trained neurology specialists who are on the forefront of new and specialized stroke treatments, giving more patients a better chance against this debilitating condition. When it comes to a stroke, time is brain.

What is Stroke?

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States, behind diseases of the heart, lung and cancer. It is also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked, resulting in brain cell death and loss of brain function. Stroke can be caused by a blood clot (also called thrombosis), blockage (also called embolism) or bleeding (also called hemorrhage). When a blood vessel is blocked, it cannot carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.

Common symptoms after a stroke include the inability to move parts of one side of the body, difficulty with speech or swallowing, or problems with eyesight. These symptoms can disappear quickly within 24 hours, or they can persist much longer.

The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction

Missouri Baptist was awarded a “Certificate of Distinction as a Primary Stroke Center” by The Joint Commission. The stroke program cares for more than 500 stroke and TIA (also called mini-stroke) patients.

MoBap is able to diagnose, treat and manage patients presenting with stroke symptoms at the emergency department, as well as patients directly admitted or transferred from other facilities.

Members of the Primary Stroke Team are multidisciplinary healthcare providers, including hospitalists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, critical care physicians, neuroradiologists, Magnet®-recognized nurses, rehabilitation specialists and a registered dietitian.

High Performance

Missouri Baptist is ranked among the top regional hospitals by U.S. News as high performing in stroke care.

Stroke Support Group

Whether you have had a stroke or you're caring for a loved one who has had a stroke, BJC HealthCare offers free stroke support groups that meet monthly.

Sign up for Stroke Center Classes & Events

Meetings are noon – 2 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. MoBap has in-person meetings, while BJSPH offers in-person and virtual meetings via Teams.

Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are accepted. Learn more here. Parking: Free valet parking is available at MoBap. Complimentary parking is also available in the Main Entrance Garage. Take the yellow elevators in the Main Entrance Garage to the 4th floor. Proceed to room 415 in the Clinical Learning Institute (above the Main Entrance Garage). Free parking is available in the Main Entrance parking lot at BJSPH.

Parking

Free valet parking is available at MoBap. Complimentary parking is also available in the Main Entrance Garage. Take the yellow elevators in the Main Entrance Garage to the 4th floor. Proceed to room 415 in the Clinical Learning Institute (above the Main Entrance Garage).

Free parking is available in the Main Entrance parking lot at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital.

For more information regarding stroke services in St. Louis or to schedule an appointment at MoBap, please call 314.996.5433 or 800.392.0936.

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High Performance

Stroke - 2024-2025 Best Performing Hospitals - U.S. News Emblem

Missouri Baptist is ranked among the top regional hospitals by U.S. News as high performing in stroke care.

Contact Information

For more information on our stroke center or to schedule an appointment, call 314-996-3627 or contact us online.

Missouri Baptist Medical Center Awarded for Continued Improvement to Stroke Treatments

Missouri Baptist’s continued commitment to aligning patient care with the latest evidence and research-based guidelines, minimizes long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

 

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Stroke Support Group

Whether you are a stroke survivor or taking care of a loved one, we invite you to join our support group community. Stroke Coordinators from Missouri Baptist Medical Center will encourage the sharing of personal experiences and connect with others as part of the recovery. 

 

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Making Strides After an Unexpected Stroke

During a shopping trip at a retail store, 36-year-old Brenda Chiu suddenly slurred her words, couldn’t walk straight and felt her left arm and leg go weak. Something was wrong.

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Fast Action Helps Donna Recover From Stroke Quicker

Donna was with her son Brian when he noticed that the left side of her face was drooping, and then she collapsed.

As an emergency room nurse at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Brian recognized the signs of a stroke and told his mom, "I think you're having a stroke," before beginning an assessment and calling 911.

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Missouri Baptist Medical Center Earns National Recognition for Efforts to Improve Stroke Treatment

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines - Gold Plus award for commitment to prioritizing quality care for stroke patients

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Palliative Care: Helping Patients Live Their Best Lives

Lynn’s husband Steve was diabetic and diagnosed with end stage renal disease 11 years ago. Without warning, Steve’s condition turned critical three years ago. Desperate for guidance and strength, Lynn was connected to April and the Palliative Care team at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

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Rich Welmon stroke survivor sits in his workshop.

Every Second Matters When a Stroke Occurs

That fall day in October 2016 was just like any other weekday. Rich Welmon, a mechanic, got up and went to work; he didn’t think anything of the heaviness he felt in his leg or the short episode of dizziness he experienced during the day. But when his left hand refused to respond the next evening, he knew something was wrong.

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Emergency Stroke Care

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center we know that speed is critical in treating stroke patients to prevent brain damage and increase opportunities for recovery. That is why the Missouri Baptist's program is centered around efficiency.

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Know the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

The following are the most common stroke warning signs. Go to the ER immediately if experiencing any of the symptoms. A quick response can help reduce damage.

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Rapid Treatment of Stroke

Your care team may provide a variety of treatment options, including medication and surgery

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Preventing Stroke

Your risk for stroke is based on many factors including heredity conditions, medical issues, natural processes, such as age, and lifestyle. For the risk factors you can control, prevention is the best medicine.

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