Primary Stroke Center

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain can't get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function, and the brain cells in that area start to die. The quicker you receive medical treatment for stroke, the better your chances for a positive outcome.

As a certified Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, South Texas Health System Edinburg is ready to treat you with exceptional stroke care. Our dedicated stroke unit offers a 24-hour stroke team and trained Emergency Department personnel.

Learn more about emergency services at South Texas Health System Edinburg.

Recognizing Stroke: BE FAST

Stroke can result in paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, memory loss, thinking and reasoning problems, and difficulty speaking, understanding speech and swallowing. The severity of effects depends heavily on how fast a stroke victim receives medical treatment.

Here are some tips from the American Heart Association's Stroke Association branch on quickly recognizing stroke. If you think you or someone around you may be experiencing stroke, don't wait, call 9-1-1.

BE FAST and Save a Life

If you suspect you or your loved one is having a stroke, remember BE FAST:

  • Balance is affected. A person may fall or feel unsteady.
  • Eyes are blurry or have difficulty seeing when you ask a person about their vision.
  • Face droops when you ask a person to smile.
  • Arm weakness when you ask a person to raise their arms above their head.
  • Speech is slurred when you ask a person to repeat a sentence.
  • Time is important. If you notice symptoms of a possible stroke, call 9-1-1.

Nationally Recognized for Stroke Care

Get with the guidelines stroke honor roll badgeSouth Texas Health System Edinburg has been recognized by the American Heart Association®/American Stroke Association® with the Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD PLUS with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll quality achievement award. With this recognition, our community can be confident that STHS uses the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve both patient care and outcomes.

U.S. News & World ReportUS News High Performing Hospital Award Badge - Stroke has rated South Texas Health System Edinburg as “High Performing” in Stroke care for 2023-2024. “High Performing” represents hospitals rated in the top 10% for this area of care. It also recognizes specialties where the facility performed significantly better than the national average.

Find a Doctor

To find a doctor that's right for you, call the South Texas Health System Reserve and Learn line at 800-879-1033.​