From paralysis to recovery in 24 hours

When it comes to stroke, every second counts. Often described as a ‘brain attack’, stroke requires immediate, highly specialised care to prevent long-term disability or death. For international patients and healthcare providers alike, access to advanced stroke centres can make the difference between permanent impairment and a full recovery.

At Baptist Health’s Miami Neuroscience Institute, rapid diagnosis, seamless coordination and advanced neurointerventional techniques are helping redefine what’s possible in stroke care.

The case

Recently, a patient arrived at the emergency department with sudden paralysis and an inability to speak – classic signs of a severe stroke. Within minutes, a multidisciplinary team activated a highly coordinated response designed to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible.

Advanced imaging confirmed a large vessel occlusion, one of the most serious types of stroke. Under the leadership of Dr Dabus, Co-Director of Interventional Neuroradiology, the patient was taken for an urgent minimally invasive thrombectomy – a catheter-based procedure used to remove the clot and re-establish circulation.

“Time truly is brain, and every minute saves millions of neurons,” emphasised Dr Dabus, underscoring the urgency of rapid intervention.

Thanks to the team’s speed, expertise and coordination, blood flow was successfully restored. Within 24 hours, the patient experienced a remarkable recovery – regaining movement and speech and avoiding what could have been life-altering complications.

This case highlights a critical reality: outcomes in stroke care are directly tied to speed, coordination and access to specialised expertise.

The Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention

Our approach

At Miami Neuroscience Institute, patients benefit from a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that integrates emergency medicine, neurology, neurointerventional surgery, advanced imaging and rehabilitation. The Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention, ensuring that patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

This level of care is further strengthened by close collaboration with Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. Cardiovascular specialists play a key role in identifying and managing underlying conditions that contribute to stroke risk, including embolic sources and complex vascular disease. This integrated approach ensures that both the cause and the consequences of stroke are addressed comprehensively.

The case also reflects the importance of coordinated, team-based care. Collaboration between interventional neuroradiology, stroke neurology and cardiovascular specialists enables faster decision-making and more effective treatment – especially in high-acuity cases where time is critical.

International care

For international patients, this level of coordination is particularly important. Stroke often occurs without warning, and in many regions, access to advanced neurointerventional procedures such as thrombectomy may be limited. Through Baptist Health International, patients, providers and insurers can quickly connect with a dedicated team that facilitates expedited transfers, streamlines communication and ensures continuity of care.

From the moment a referral is made, Baptist Health International works closely with referring physicians and case managers to coordinate every detail – from medical record review and physician-to-physician communication to travel logistics and post-treatment follow-up. This seamless approach minimises delays and optimises outcomes, particularly for time-sensitive conditions like stroke.

In addition to its clinical expertise, Baptist Health is consistently recognised for excellence in patient care, with a strong focus on quality, safety and innovation. Its centres of excellence attract patients from around the world seeking advanced treatments and access to leading specialists.

As stroke care continues to evolve, one principle remains constant: time is brain. Rapid access to specialised stroke intervention can mean the difference between disability and independence – and, in many cases, between life and death.

For patients around the world, having access to a trusted, coordinated system of care – capable of delivering rapid, lifesaving treatment when it matters most – is invaluable.