Souers Stroke Institute
Leaders in Stroke Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment
When stroke strikes, timely, expert care is critical. SLUCare Physician Group neurologists are cross-trained in a number of neurologic specialties — vascular neurology, neurointervention, neurocritical care and neurorehabilitation — to efficiently and accurately assess stroke patients and deliver the right care when it's needed most. In addition, our specialists provide preventive care and treatment for a variety of other neurological disorders.
Care for patients with acute stroke begins in the emergency room at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, where our staff identifies the best medication, surgical intervention or minimally invasive procedure for a patient's needs. Stroke patients outside the St. Louis area have access to this care team as well, through hospitals in the MidAmerica Stroke Network. Physicians in this network collaborate with our team via technology, sharing images and information to determine the whether the patient can be treated locally or should be transported to a hospital offering more advanced capabilities.
The Right Technology & the Right Team Make All the Difference
During the first critical hours after a stroke, patients may undergo continuous monitoring of the brain, heart and blood movement. SLUCare physicians collect this information using state-of-the-art neuroimaging equipment, such as MRI, MRA, TCD and angiography. A patient's heart is evaluated with tools such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
Our highly trained neurologists, including a neurointensivist (a doctor who treats critical nervous system problems), are available around the clock to develop and implement a treatment program based on an individual patient's needs. Once a patient's condition stabilizes, the stroke team meets daily for further evaluation, while nurse specialists trained in stroke management continue to assist the patient and their loved ones.
After discharge, patients are seen at the Stroke Outpatient Clinic, where the SLUCare stroke team works closely with referring physicians to ensure continued recovery.
When stroke hits, getting to the hospital quickly is critical. Follow-up care after hospitalization is equally important.
In the SLUCare Stroke Outpatient Clinic, patients are thoroughly evaluated to determine the underlying cause of their stroke and what can be done to prevent stroke from happening again.
Our staff coordinates testing as needed for each patient — from radiology and cardiology tests to blood tests and physical, occupational or speech therapy. We provide education about health and lifestyle factors that contribute to stroke, and strategies for minimizing future stroke risk. Our physicians work with individually with patients to set goals and expectations for recovery and to answer questions.
Depending on the needs of each patient, physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as vocational and family counseling services, are available.
Other Conditions Treated
In addition to emergency stroke care, our team also also helps patients halt, reverse and recover from a variety of neurovascular disorders, including:
- Aneurysms
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
- Carotid artery disease
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Head and brain malformations
- Brain hemorrhage
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Brain tumors or spinal tumors
- Vascular malformations
About the Souers Stroke Institute
As part of the Department of Neurology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, the Souers Stroke Institute is on the leading edge of research in neurovascular medicine. This gives patients access to the latest scientific advances in care and establishes our program as one of the world's premier training institutions for vascular neurology and neurointervention.
Retrievable Stent for Stroke
Breakthrough Treatment Improves Care for Stroke Patients
For years, clot-busting drugs have been the go-to treatment for patients with certain types of stroke. Now, doctors with the award-winning SLUCare Stroke Team have another tool at their disposal.
The retrievable stent is a revolutionary treatment that involves inserting a catheter into an artery, running the stent into the brain, trapping the blood clot, then removing the clot from the body. The technique is similar to the way cardiologists open up arteries after a heart attack. This procedure has been shown to quickly restore blood flow, dramatically improving outcomes for stroke patients.
Stroke Outpatient Clinic
Center for Specialized Medicine
1225 South Grand, First Floor
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-617-2555
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM