Stroke treatment in Kansas City

At HCA Midwest Health, we quickly and effectively treat strokes. Our highly trained emergency room (ER) specialists and stroke experts work to avoid lasting symptoms, permanent disability and loss of life. We provide a compassionate, fast response using the latest stroke treatment techniques and technologies.

If someone you know is experiencing stroke symptoms, call 911.

Types of stroke and symptoms

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. Brain cells begin to die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Stroke symptoms include:

  • Arm, leg or body weakness or numbness on one side
  • Face sagging on one side
  • Speaking problems, such as slurred speech
  • Sudden dimmed vision, especially in one eye
  • Sudden headache with no cause followed by loss of consciousness
  • Sudden loss of balance followed by vomiting, fever, hiccups or problems with swallowing

When someone experiences stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. When first responders arrive, they will examine the patient while in remote contact with an emergency medicine specialist. Then, treatment will continue en route to the nearest stroke center.

Ischemic strokes

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. Blood vessels become blocked or narrowed, preventing blood flow (ischemia). This can happen because of fatty deposits, uncontrolled high blood pressure or blood clots.

Hemorrhagic strokes

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is a leakage or rupture in blood vessels. Factors contributing to this type of stroke include trauma, weakened blood vessels (aneurysms), ischemic strokes and uncontrolled blood pressure.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

These are "mini" strokes that may be forerunners to a major stroke. TIAs have similar symptoms and causes as other types of stroke but only last for a short time. However, a TIA should not be ignored, as it is a warning sign that a full-blown stroke is coming. Recognizing the symptoms and getting the proper treatment may prevent a major stroke.

TIA prevention

If you've had symptoms of a TIA but feel better, you still should see a doctor. You may need medication or further treatment. Treatment may also focus on prevention methods such as lifestyle changes to reduce your future risk of stroke. Controllable risk factors include diet, physical activity, smoking and drug abuse.

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of stroke. Management or prevention of these conditions can significantly reduce your risk:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • Heart disease
  • Atherosclerosis and artery disease
  • High cholesterol levels (specifically high-LDL)
  • Low bone mineral density (especially in women)
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome

TIA Clinics

HCA Midwest Health hospitals Centerpoint Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center and Research Medical Center offer patients access to TIA Clinics as part of the HCA Midwest Health Neuroscience Institute. These clinics are specially designed with convenience in mind to help patients who have been diagnosed with a warning stroke or who are at risk for a stroke.

  • Close to home. Locations throughout the Kansas City area mean you never have to travel far to access expert care.
  • One-day testing. We know your time is important. That's why we offer a thorough evaluation that's all done on one day, in one location.
  • Comprehensive care. We provide required testing for TIA patients as well as consults by a cerebrovascular neurologist, nutritionist and licensed clinical social worker if needed.
  • Seamless and coordinated care. Your primary care doctor knows you and your health status the best. That's why all test results and neurology consultation records will be sent back to your doctor. If preferred, our team will consult with them to develop a treatment plan.
For more information about our TIA clinics, call (877) 456-7979.

Stroke centers

At HCA Midwest Health, treatment begins with our well-equipped stroke centers. Once patients reach our emergency rooms (ERs), our experts coordinate care across our medical specialties as fast as possible.

We provide prompt, complete stroke care at our:

  • Comprehensive Stroke Center, located at Research Medical Center (RMC), which handles the highest and most complex stroke symptoms
  • Primary Stroke Centers, located at four of our network hospitals, which handle the next highest level of complex stroke symptoms
  • Time Critical Diagnosis (TCD) Centers, located at our five Missouri hospitals, which have a specially trained medical team available 24/7 who initiate stroke and trauma care

Our comprehensive and primary stroke centers meet standards set by The Joint Commission. Also, our network's Missouri hospitals meet state guidelines for stroke centers. Both sets of standards require quick and effective stroke diagnosis and treatment.

Facility Emergency room Stroke center Missouri TCD stroke level
Research Medical Center

•

Emergency room available

 Comprehensive Level I
Centerpoint Medical Center

•

Emergency room available

 Primary Level II
Overland Park Regional Medical Center

•

Emergency room available

 Primary N/A
Belton Regional Medical Center

•

Emergency room available

 Level III Level III
Lee's Summit Medical Center

•

Emergency room available

 Primary Level II
Menorah Medical Center

•

Emergency room available

 Primary N/A
Lafayette Regional Health Center

•

Emergency room available

 Level III
ER of Brookside

•

Emergency room available
ER of Olathe

•

Emergency room available
ER of Shawnee

•

Emergency room available

Telestroke services

Through our telestroke services, stroke specialists use advanced videoconferencing technology to talk with patients and their doctors and provide virtual consultations regarding diagnosis and treatment. Telestroke service lets patients stay at home and transfer to advanced care when needed.

Stroke rehab and recovery

After a stroke, it is possible for patients to experience a variety of challenges, including:

  • Physical weakness and fatigue
  • Vision trouble
  • Muscle stiffness, lack of control or partial loss of sensation
  • Trouble walking or maintaining balance
  • Shoulder pain
  • Bladder control problems
  • Seizures or paralysis
  • Trouble with speech, language, reading or writing
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Forgetfulness
  • Irritability
  • Confusion or problems thinking clearly
  • Anxiety and fearfulness
  • Anger
  • Depression

The stroke therapy program at HCA Midwest offers specialized medical care to help stroke patients achieve the best possible results. Our stroke specialists work with survivors, their doctors and families to help them find their way back to normalcy.

Our multidisciplinary team of caregivers partners with patients to ensure they have the right education and resources needed to be successful after leaving the hospital. Treatment may involve intensive care and physical and occupational therapy.

Comprehensive inpatient rehab

Comprehensive inpatient rehab covers the first three to four months after the initial stroke. Patients receive almost twice as many hours per week of therapy than is normally provided at a skilled nursing facility. This extra time can help maximize recovery.

Outpatient stroke rehab

Outpatient stroke rehab typically follows an inpatient stay. Patients often require outpatient therapy to continue their progress. To ease post-stroke travel, all of our network hospitals offer outpatient services.