When Every Minute Matters: Brant Selvey’s Stroke Story

Brant Selvey expected a normal Tuesday. Instead, he woke up to vertigo, blurred vision, and a sharp ringing in his ear — followed, within minutes, by total hearing loss in both ears. He had no idea he was having a stroke. 

His story is a powerful reminder that strokes don’t always follow the script. And that calling 911 — right now, without waiting to see if symptoms pass — can make the difference between recovery and lasting disability, or worse. 

How Brant Selvey’s Stroke Started — and Why He Almost Waited 

On the morning of Dec. 10, Brant woke around 5:30 a.m. at his home near Lamar, Missouri. Within minutes, the room was spinning. His vision blurred. A ringing started in his right ear. He lost his balance. The right side of his face began to droop. 

Then he lost hearing in his right ear. Then his left. 

“The paramedics were asking me questions, and I could hear them, and then I couldn’t,” Brant says. “Dawn leaned in close and repeated what they said, and then I couldn’t hear anything at all.” 

He was speaking loudly without realizing it, unsure whether any sound was coming out. 

His wife, Dawn, called 911 immediately and arranged to meet an ambulance on the road. That decision — to call for help rather than wait — likely saved his life. 

A Rare and Serious Type of Stroke 

What is a basilar artery stroke? 

When Brant arrived at Cox Barton County Hospital, a Level 3 Stroke Center, a care team was already preparing for him. Through a direct telehealth connection with Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Dr. Kimberlee Yassa was consulting with local physicians in real time. 

Together, they identified the cause: a basilar artery stroke caused by a blood clot. 

The basilar artery supplies blood to the brainstem and cerebellum, which control balance, coordination, vision, and consciousness. A blockage in this artery is among the most serious types of stroke. The window for effective treatment is narrow. 

Doctors at Cox Medical Center South, a Level 1 Stroke Center, wanted Brant transferred immediately. 

How Stroke Treatment Works — and Why Speed Matters 

At Cox Medical Center South, neurologists Dr. Benjamin Lisle and Dr. Weston Gordon were direct with Brant and his family: waiting was not an option. There were risks — including the possibility that the clot could break apart during removal. Brant decided to proceed. 

“Dr. Gordon was positive,” Brant says. “The look he had did not make me question the decision.” 

Brant remained awake as doctors successfully removed the clot. Within days, hearing began returning in his left ear. He returned to work within 10 days. Today, he says he feels much the way he did before Dec. 10, though his right ear still carries some hearing loss and ringing. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Basilar Artery Stroke?

Most people know to watch for facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech. But Brant’s stroke didn’t look like that — and he knew it. 

“Your body tells you when something is not right,” he says. “I would have convinced myself it would pass. I don’t think my symptoms were the more commonly known signs of a stroke, so I didn’t think that was what it was.” 

Stroke symptoms can vary depending on the type and area of the brain affected. A basilar artery stroke, in particular, may appear differently than the classic presentation, with symptoms such as: 

• Sudden, severe dizziness or vertigo 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Sudden loss of balance or coordination 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Sudden hearing loss 

If you or someone near you shows any of these signs — even briefly, even if they seem to pass — call 911 right away. Don’t drive yourself. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve. Emergency evaluation is critical. 

To learn more about the causes, conditions, and symptoms of a stroke and what to look for, visit the CoxHealth stroke services page. 

Stroke Care Close to Home in the Ozarks 

Brant and Dawn say they remain deeply grateful for the care they received throughout his ordeal. 

 “All of the CoxHealth staff, first responders and the Barton County Ambulance District were amazing,” Dawn says. “Their quick response times, technology and knowledge contributed to this miraculous outcome for Brant. We are beyond thankful to each person who helped him and our family through this experience.” 

Brant also credits Dawn for acting quickly and staying by his side. 

“To say she was helpful is an understatement,” he says. 

His message to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation is simple: “Don’t be stubborn.” 

CoxHealth’s stroke care network spans the Ozarks, connecting patients across the region with the expertise and technology needed to treat strokes fast — wherever they happen. If you or someone you love experiences stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.