Neurological care
Neurological care is the practice of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and function of diseases relating to the nerves and nervous system. Neurologists and neurosurgeons treat disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord.
Neurology specialists in Belton, Missouri
The neurologists at Belton Regional Medical Center are specially trained to diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
They consult with neurosurgeons and other neuroscience staff at the hospital to give you the care you need and help you live a healthy, normal life.
Stroke treatment
There are three types of cerebrovascular accidents (strokes):
- An ischemic stroke, in which the artery to the brain becomes blocked, preventing oxygen from getting to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke, occurring in about 87 percent of all strokes.
- A hemorrhagic stroke, where the artery to the brain ruptures, preventing blood flow to the brain.
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a “warning stroke” or “mini-stroke” that produces symptoms similar to a stroke but causes no lasting damage.
The specialists in emergency care at Belton Regional Medical Center can quickly diagnose a stroke. They are equipped to provide brain scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when needed. If needed, they can transfer a patient to an HCA Midwest accredited Chest Pain and Stroke Center in the area.
Stroke warning signs
If you think you or a loved one might be having a stroke, remember to think B.E.F.A.S.T.:
- Balance — Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
- Eyes — Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
- Face — When the person smiles, does one side of the face droop?
- Arms — Does one arm drift downward when both arms are raised?
- Speech — Is the person's speech slurred when asked to repeat a simple sentence?
- Time — Call 911 immediately if the person shows any of these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by a highly severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance and/or loss of vision.
A stroke is an emergency, so don’t take chances. Call 911 if you or a loved one has signs of a stroke. Do not drive yourself; get to the nearest emergency room.
Recognition
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognized Belton Regional Medical Center for achieving 85 percent or higher compliance with all Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Achievement Measures.
Neurological screenings we offer
Our neurologists use many diagnostic tools to find out how best to treat your condition. Some of the tests they perform include:
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Telemedicine robotic technology
Belton Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in the community to offer telemedicine robotic technology to assist in diagnosing and treating stroke patients. The robot helps emergency room physicians access a neurologist more quickly to decrease the amount of time it takes to diagnose and treat stroke patients.
Brain rehabilitation and recovery
As part of your recovery and rehabilitation from a condition involving the brain or nervous system, your doctor may prescribe the following activities:
- Physical therapy: To regain as much movement as possible
- Occupational therapy: To assist in everyday tasks and self-care
- Speech pathology: To improve swallowing and speech challenges