Stroke
Stroke Information
The brain needs a constant supply of blood to work. During a stroke, blood stops flowing to part of the brain. Most strokes are caused by a blockage to a blood vessel that supplies an area of the brain (ischemic stroke). Strokes also occur if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). A stroke can damage areas of the brain that control other parts of the body. Seek help right away if symptoms come on suddenly, even if the symptoms don’t last.
Stroke is an emergency. Call 911.
Quick, expert treatment can make all the difference. Cox Medical Center South has been recognized by the DNV Healthcare as the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center. It has also been designated as a Level 1 Stroke Center by the state of Missouri. Cox South stroke services exceed key benchmark numbers in stroke care, as defined by the American Heart/American Stroke Association. We offer immediate access to the region’s most aggressive stroke intervention techniques and services.
When stroke happens, speed matters. Every second of a stroke kills 32,000 brain cells. Fast care from experts can help you retain more brain cells and more function.
TeleStroke Services
When patients come to our emergency departments at Cox Monett Hospital, Cox Barton County Hospital or Cox Medical Center Branson with signs and symptoms of a stroke, the emergency department has the option of contacting one of our Springfield neurologists and requesting a TeleStroke consultation.
Other Stroke Resources
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Warning Signs of a Stroke
A stroke is a brain attack in which blood stops flowing to part of the brain. Learn common symptoms of a stroke—and find out how you can B.E.F.A.S.T. to save a life.
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Stroke & Diabetes
Having diabetes increases your risk of stroke. But there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk.
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CoxHealth Stroke Center
We are the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region. If you have a stroke, you can trust in CoxHealth.
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Stroke Clinical Measures
View our stroke clinical measures and learn more about our certification as a DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Find out if you could be at risk for having a stroke.
Take our stroke quiz to learn more about your personal risk. You can also sign up for a cardiovascular screening package, which includes a stroke risk assessment. Call (417) 269 9482 to register. Simple lifestyle changes can help control your risk.
These are stroke risk factors you can't change:
- Race: African-Americans have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races.
- Heredity: People with a family history of stroke or transient ischemic attack are at higher risk of stroke
There are stroke risk factors you can change or control:
- Hypertension: High blood pressure is the greatest risk factor for stroke. Controlling high blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.
- Diabetes: Monitor your blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels put you at risk for a stroke. Take medications as directed by your doctor. Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your Hemoglobin A1c.
- Obesity: Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes, which are risk factors for stroke. Work with your doctor to develop a plan for weight loss.
- Hyperlipidemia: Know your cholesterol number. If your cholesterol is high, you may have in increased stroke risk. Eating less cholesterol and fat may reduce the plaque in your blood vessels. Take cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed.
- Lifestyle habits: Exercise can reduce your risk of stroke. Change your eating habits. Reduce stress Stop smoking. Drink in moderation. Avoid illicit drugs.
- Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderations. It is important to limit your consumption to one drink per day for women and 2 drinks for men. Heavy drinking has been associated with stroke.
- Tobacco: Stop smoking. Smoking doubles your risk for stroke. If you stop smoking today, your stroke risk will begin to decrease. If you stop, within five years your stroke risk may be the same as that of someone who has never smoked.
- Heart Disorders: Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots. These clots can go to the brain and cause a stroke. People with atrial fibrillation have a much higher risk for stroke and should be receiving medical treatment.