Clinical Programs

When patients present to Citizens Memorial with stroke-like symptoms recognized as "BEFAST" – balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time – emergency room staff quickly perform advanced brain imaging and contact CoxHealth, where they are connected with a neurologist.

A tele-video visit takes place so the neurologist can evaluate the patient in real time. The neurologist evaluation helps support timely treatment for optimal patient outcomes. For eligible stroke patients, alteplase (tPA), the clot-busting medication, must be given within a certain treatment window after symptoms begin, so calling 911 immediately upon stroke symptom onset is critical. Through CT angiography and CT perfusion, patients who are eligible for thrombectomy can be rapidly identified and transferred to the most appropriate stroke certified facility for higher levels of care.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” effects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

It’s important to know the signs to prevent disability or death. B.E.F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke:

Balance – Having trouble with balance or coordination?

Eyes – Sudden blurred or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes?

Face – Does one side of the face droop when smiling?

Arms – Does one arm drift downward when both arms are raised?

Speech – Is speech slurred or strange when repeating a simple phrase?

Time- If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.