Ask the Expert: Time is Brain: How Advanced Stroke Care Saves Lives

When someone is having a stroke, time is everything. Brain cells begin to die within minutes after a brain artery is occluded, which means getting to the right hospital as fast as possible can make all the difference. But what happens once they arrive? That’s where specialists like myself come in.

As a neurointerventionalist, I specialize in treating acute ischemic stroke by physically removing blood clots from the brain using catheter-based tools and advanced imaging. One of the most effective procedures performed in our center is called mechanical thrombectomy. It’s a minimally invasive technique that allows us to reach a blocked artery and restore blood flow—often within minutes. When done early in the stroke process, this can drastically improve a patient’s chances of recovery and reduce long-term disability.

These procedures are only offered at Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) like DHR Health, where we have a full team available 24/7, including neurologists, imaging experts, intensivists and endovascular specialists like myself. From the moment a stroke patient arrives, we move fast—performing scans, making a diagnosis, and getting them to the procedure room if they’re a candidate. DHR timing to delivered this advanced care is the fastest in Rio Grande Valley.

It all starts with recognizing the signs. The easiest way to remember them is with the acronym FAST:

· Face: One side of the face may droop

· Arm: Can they lift both arms evenly?

· Speech: Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?

· Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away

Strokes can happen to anyone, and when they do, getting fast to the appropriate level of hospital is critical. At DHR Health, we’ve been a Joint Commission–designated CSC since 2019 and are proud to offer some of the most advanced stroke treatments available in the country. Stroke care is a team effort, but for patients who need urgent intervention, the work we do in those first moments can mean everything. DHR is also certified by the DNV as CSC being the only one in the region with a dual certification.

About Dr. Patricia Fernandez

Fernandez is board-certified and holds Focused Practice Designation in CNS endovascular surgery. She uses minimally invasive procedures and radiologic imaging to diagnose and treat vascular diseases of the central nervous system, head, neck and spine.

Dr. Patricia Fernandez
DHR Health Neurointerventionalist
2821 Michelangelo Drive Suite 304 Edinburg, TX 78539
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-8500
To learn more about neurology services at DHR Health, visit https://dhrhealth.com/services/neuroscience/

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