Learn the Signs of a Stroke & Save a Life
A stroke is the interruption of blood flow to the brain, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain and causing cells to die. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), stroke is the #5 cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of disability. Fast reaction to the first signs of a stroke can make not only the difference between life and death but can determine the amount of disability suffered from the event. The physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care have compiled the information you need to know to quickly and properly respond to signs of a stroke.
“A stroke usually has noticeable symptoms,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you educate yourself and know what to look for, you can respond fast and call 911. EMS and emergency rooms are both set up with a stroke protocol to begin treatment as soon as possible.”
Signs of a Stroke
The 3 classic signs of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym F.A.S.T.
F – Face – one side of the face or mouth is drooping
A – Arms – ask him/her to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts down or is weak
S – Speech – stroke victims will have slurred speech or difficulty talking
T – Time – act quickly and call 911
In addition to these 3 classic signs of a stroke, the patient may experience the sudden onset of other symptoms. The important thing to note is these symptoms will come on suddenly. Here is the list of additional symptoms, according to ASA:
- Numbness – weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion – confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Trouble seeing – vision problem in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking – dizziness, loss of coordination and balance
- Severe headache – sudden headache
Risk Facts for Stroke
Factors such as age, race, gender and family history may contribute to your risk of stroke, however many risk factors can be changed or controlled. Some of these factors include a chronic medical condition, overweight, diet rich in fats, smoking or sedentary lifestyle. These factors can contribute to the risk of stroke:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Obesity
- Peripheral artery disease
- Carotid artery disease
- Smoking
- High blood cholesterol
- Inactive lifestyle
- Diet high in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium
- High blood pressure
- Sickle cell anemia
Emergency Care Needed
“A stroke is an emergency and must be treated immediately,” said Dr. Vora. “Call 911 rather than drive the person to the ER since the EMS is equipped to begin treatment on a stroke immediately.”
Time is of utmost importance when it comes to a serious condition such as a stroke.
Kinds of Stroke
There are two main types of strokes:
- Hemorrhagic: Caused by bleeding in the brain; occurs about 20% of the time.
- Ischemic: Caused by a blood clot in the brain; more common, occurs about 80% of the time.
In the emergency setting, it is crucial to find out what type of stroke a person is experiencing. This could be quickly determined by a CT scan of the head.
At Medco ER, we are equipped with advanced imaging equipment and can perform the CT scan in less than 30 minutes from arrival. We also have close contacts with expert Radiologists who can provide a quick assessment of the CT images.
Furthermore, we are affiliated with local hospitals and specialized stroke centers and can quickly reach a Neurologist for an expert opinion to discuss the various types of treatment in a timely fashion.
Find help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Patients suffering symptoms of a stroke can find fast access to quality medical care at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our board-certified physicians have the years of experience needed to quickly identify and treat strokes. Our easy-access, freestanding ER has much of the same equipment found in a hospital-attached ER and we are fully ready to treat you 24/7 when the need arises.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
10 Signs of Dehydration
As the heat index ramps up and we become more active, it’s easy to forget to drink enough fluids to stay well-hydrated. If you’ve ever wondered if you may be dehydrated, there are some quick and easy ways to know. Once you’ve determined that you’re suffering from dehydration, you can start taking some steps towards remedying it.
However, bringing your body back into a state of healthy hydration isn’t always as easy as grabbing a glass of water. That’s why, we’re always ready at Medco ER & Urgent Care to bring the needed hydration and electrolyte balance back into your system to help you start to feel better again.
“Dehydration can lead to the more serious heat-related illnesses and should be treated immediately,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you can’t get on top of your dehydration right away, we have the treatment readily available.”
Here are 10 warning signs of dehydration:
Fatigue
If you’re exhausted and you don’t know why, dehydration may be the culprit. Try drinking water while resting.
Headache
The first thing you should do when you have a headache is drink some water. If the problem is dehydration, you should experience some relief soon.
Muscle cramps
An imbalance in minerals can cause muscle cramps and pain. Try drinking electrolyte-balanced hydration packets or drinking water and eating a banana for a potassium boost.
Constipation
Since your body absorbs much of its liquid from the passage of food and water in the intestines, your stool may become dry and immobile if you aren’t drinking enough. Get some water into your system and even some healthy oils or prunes to help.
UTI
A urinary tract infection can be the result of dehydration. An excess of bacteria can build up and multiply in the tract if it isn’t flushed out regularly by trips to the bathroom. If you’re experiencing difficulty urinating, painful urination or blood in the urine, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care immediately for treatment.
Dark-colored urine
The color of your urine could tell a lot about you. If it is dark yellow or orange, you may be dehydrated. Vitamins and certain vegetables can also taint your urine color, so consider that when determining if you are dehydrated or not.
Dry skin and lips
If you’re experiencing chronic chapped lips or dry, cracked skin, you may not be getting enough to drink. In addition to drinking water, try some moisturizers or natural oils to feel better.
Brain fog
If your cognitive processes are slowing down and you’re struggling to think, your brain may be stressed from dehydration. Try to get 80 ounces of water each day and see if it helps to make you feel better.
Dizziness
An imbalance in the electrolytes and minerals can lead to dizziness. If a sports drink doesn’t help within 20 minutes, a trip to the ER might be a good idea.
Confusion
One of the most serious indicators of advanced dehydration, confusion should always be taken seriously. “If you or someone you love is struggling to communicate, confused or just seems out of it, it is important to seek medical attention immediately,” said Dr. Vora. “Whether it’s dehydration or something else, it’s a cause for prompt evaluation by a qualified emergency medical provider.”
Where can I get medical help for dehydration symptoms?
For any of your urgent medical needs, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open day and night to serve you. We have the rapid labs and the IV fluids ready to diagnose and to treat your dehydration. Come on into our Plano location which is open 24/7 for your convenience.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
Is it Safe to Come to the ER Now?
Like many others, you may be wondering about the wisdom of coming to the ER during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your safety and health are our #1 priority at Medco ER & Urgent Care. We feel it is a privilege to serve you with extensive safety measures in place. Providing quality healthcare round-the-clock is our passion, and we do it with an eye to excellence.
You’ve probably heard the stories of people who have stayed home with serious medical conditions—like heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or diabetic crisis—rather than “risk” going to the emergency room. “We strongly discourage the idea of not going to the ER because of the chance of catching coronavirus,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “With stringent sanitizing practices and carefully thought-out safety precautions in place at Medco, there’s no reason to fear going to the emergency room when you need it.”
Negative Pressure Room
When it comes to treating patients safely in a sterile environment, preparation is key. And Medco ER has been prepared for infection control using some of the most advanced technology. One example of this is our specialized Negative Pressure Room, which helps to prevent airborne diseases (such as Flu and COVID-19) from escaping the room and infecting other people.
Here’s a peek at some of the other protocols we’ve implemented to ensure you will receive top quality care in a sanitized, safe and secluded environment.
Clean entrance
As soon as you walk in the freshly sanitized, touch-free door, you will find a secure processing center complete with hand sanitizers, masks and an intake specialist who will screen you for fever and symptoms.
Safe waiting area
If you have a non-COVID-19 related health concern, you may be seated in our clean waiting area arranged to help you distance from other patients. If possible, you may be escorted to your newly sanitized exam room to wait instead.
Separated areas
We have a protocol for separating any cases that are suspected to be COVID-19 related. If you enter with a non-COVID condition, you can be assured that you will be kept completely separated from any other cases and that every precaution will be taken to ensure your health and safety. Our rigid infection control practices follow the highest standards possible to maintain the safety of everyone in the clinic.
Sanitized exam room
Each patient will have access to a freshly cleaned exam room. In your sanitary, enclosed environment, you can finish filling out the paperwork and be seen by your board-certified physician. If diagnostic tests are needed, you can wait in your room for the rapid results and then speak to your physician about treatment options.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Our team of caring professionals has access to the personal protective equipment needed to keep us and our patients safe from the spread of contagion. We are practicing the recognized guidelines for safe measures including masks, gloves and eye protection, when needed.
Should I come in just for a common condition like a UTI or dehydration?
If you are suffering from a common medical condition and need to see a doctor right away, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open day or night to serve you. We are here to apply our experience to all kinds of medical concerns. Our Plano location has easy access and is open 24/7. You can trust us with your healthcare needs.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
What to do when you don’t know what’s wrong with your child
One of the hardest things about being a parent is knowing when your baby or child needs to see a doctor. Sometimes, the symptoms are so subtle, you can’t easily tell that anything is wrong. Sometimes, you just have to rely on your intuition—when you know that something’s not quite right with your baby or child.
“It’s often one of those ‘better safe than sorry’ scenarios when you bring your child in to be seen by one of our physicians, but you don’t really know what’s wrong,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “Often, it turns out that you were right—there was a medical condition that needed to be addressed.”
At Medco ER & Urgent Care, our board-certified physicians have years of experience in diagnosing both common and uncommon conditions in our youngest patients. With a range of diagnostic tools available in-house, we’re ready to go to work finding out just what is going on with the health of your little one.
Here are 4 steps we take in diagnostics:
1. Medical History
A careful medical history—including the child’s family health history—will be compiled upon your arrival. You will be asked about allergies, a history of chronic conditions, medications and past illnesses. It may be helpful to have a list of information and medications prepared in advance.
2. Physical Information
Your physician will careful examine your son or daughter and will note any information you relay about duration, behavior, fever, pain, sleep disruption and more. You will likely be asked several questions as the exam progresses. “Our physicians are good with kids,” said Dr. Vora. “We establish a rapport with your child and work together to get the needed information about how he or she is feeling.”
3. Rapid Results Labs
If appropriate, your physician may need to run some lab tests to aid in diagnosis. The doctor may require a strep, flu, virus, blood or urine test. Our in-house access to these labs ensures that the results will come in as quickly as possible.
4. Imaging Exams
Your physician may require an advanced diagnostic such as an x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or EKG. These individualized diagnostic tools are also available in-house so you can have easy access to a range of quality services in one convenient location.
Specialized Treatments
Now that the health concern has been pinpointed by your physician, a personalized treatment plan can be designed especially with your son or daughter in mind.
We offer specialized treatments for everything from:
- Asthma
- Orthopedics
- Breathing difficulty
- Allergies
- Lacerations or cuts
- Fracture
- Concussion
- Headaches
- Sprain and strain
- Strep
- Flu and virus
- Unexplained fever
- Infections
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Blood sugar
- Rash or skin condition
- Digestive issues
- Seizures
- Bites
- Burns
- Dehydration
Where can I find medical help for my infant or child?
For fast medical help, Medco ER & Urgent Care is on standby, day or night. Our Plano location is easy to access and is open 24/7. Our physicians, experienced in pediatric emergency medicine, are ready to help when you need us.
Our kid-friendly exam rooms, child-sized equipment, no wait access and concierge service will help to ensure a smooth visit so your child feels comfortable and safe while receiving top quality healthcare.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
The 7 Biggest Advantages of a Freestanding ER Over a Hospital ER
Have you ever wondered how a freestanding emergency room differs from an attached hospital ER? The answers may surprise you.
In recent years, freestanding ERs have skyrocketed in popularity in the greater Dallas Fort Worth region as people realize the landslide of advantages freestanding ERs offer over hospital ERs. Since freestanding ERs can address almost all common emergency conditions that you or your family may encounter, the benefits are worth noting.
Here are the top 7 advantages of a freestanding ER:
1. No wait time
Emergencies don’t wait and neither should you. Waiting in a crowded, possibly germ-filled waiting room is a chore that the freestanding ERs have eliminated. Within minutes upon your arrival, you can be shown to a private room. A physician will be immediately alerted to your needs. Our locations are squeaky clean and we always keep patients at safe distances from one another.
2. More face-to-face time with the doctor
Less time waiting and more time spent talking with the doctor is one of the most important benefits of going to a freestanding ER. “Our patients are our top priority. We make sure we can spend all the time you need to make sure you get some of the highest quality care available,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora.
3. Board-certified physicians standing by
Unlike hospital ERs, you won’t be seen by a physician assistant (PA), medical assistant (MA) or a certified nurse practitioner (CNP). At Medco ER & Urgent Care, you have immediate access to a board-certified physician with years of experience in treating emergency conditions.
4. On-site imaging equipment and labs
Our fast-result labs are available on-site to aid in proper diagnostic and treatment. Getting the answers right away for your medical questions can help speed you on the way to recovery. Cardiac labs are available to diagnose urgent heart conditions. Imaging equipment such as X-rays, EKG and ultrasounds are in-house for fast and accurate diagnosis of your medical condition.
5. Efficient billing
We accept most insurance plans at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our billing department understands the ins and outs of a myriad of insurance benefits and billing requirements. We will work with you to provide all the help you need to understand your bill and the next steps to take. We do not bill patients for the difference between in-network and out-of-network reimbursement, so there are no unwelcome surprises in your bill.
6. Concierge service
Our hospitality service offers complimentary beverages and snacks. The person who drove you or accompanied you will appreciate our clean waiting room stocked with refreshments. If appropriate, you may also enjoy snacks and a sports drink to unwind and rehydrate during your visit.
7. Courtesy call directly from the doctor after your ER visit
You will be pleased to receive a follow-up phone call from your doctor after you visit our emergency room. We want to track your progress and make sure you are on your way to feeling better.
Which freestanding ER should I go to?
When it comes to receiving fast, friendly and excellent medical care, it’s important to choose the freestanding ER with a stellar reputation. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we’re proud of our top star ratings that showcase our quality healthcare services.
When you are dealing with an emergency or urgent condition, you need the freestanding ER that’s readily available. “We’re open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure you have the quality care you need at just the right time,” said Dr. Vora.
Where can I find a Medco ER & Urgent Care?
For fast medical help, Medco ER & Urgent Care is available in two convenient locations close to home and work. Visit us any time at:
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road. Call us @ 469-392-4000.
- Frisco: 5600 Eldorado Parkway across from McDonald’s and Costco. Call us @ 469-392-4100.