When 68-year-old Richard Ezell suddenly fell to the floor unable to move his left arm or leg, he didn't know he was having a stroke. But the paramedics who brought him to the SSM Neurosciences Institute at DePaul Health Center did. They also knew DePaul had the technology and specialists in place to treat the Overland man.

Each year about 700,000 people experience a stroke. It's the nation's third leading cause of death. Getting the right care in the crucial early minutes of a stroke is critical. It can save your life and prevent serious long-term disability.

Using state-of-the-art biplane imaging at DePaul, Dr. Randall Edgell, a specially trained neuro-interventionist, was able to deliver clot-busting medicine (tPA) directly to the site of the clot in Mr. Ezell's brain without open surgery. The procedure achieved amazing results for Ezell, who walked out of DePaul three days later with no visible signs that he had ever suffered a stroke.

"They say I will probably recuperate 100 percent, most likely, which is good," said Ezell.

The SSM Neurosciences Institute at DePaul was recently awarded Joint Commission certification as one of only five Primary Stroke Centers in the St. Louis region.

"We're proud to achieve this distinction," says Nirav Vora, M.D., medical director for the stroke center at DePaul and assistant professor with Saint Louis University School of Medicine. "This certification recognizes our commitment to providing exceptional stroke care to our patients and our community."

SSM Neurosciences Institute features stroke centers at all five SSM adult hospitals across the region — SSM DePaul Health Center, SSM St. Clare Health Center, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, SSM St. Joseph Hospital West and SSM St. Mary's Health Center. Coordination across SSM ensures quick access to the highest level of stroke care, regardless of where the patient presents.

To find a physician with SSM Neurosciences Institute, call 866-SSM-DOCS or visit ssmhealth.com. Learn more about Mr. Ezell's success at youtube.com/ssmdepaul.