Primary Stroke Center

Time lost is brain lost. Fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between a complete recovery from a stroke or a lifetime of disability or even death. St. Joseph's Health is certified as a Primary Stroke Center, so care is nearby.

What is a Stroke Center? 

At a Primary Stroke Center, a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals provides accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment for stroke. Critical elements of a comprehensive stroke center include: 

• Offering brain imaging scans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
• Having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and use clot-busting medications such as tPA when appropriate. 
• Having a rapid response stroke team and specially trained physicians and nurses to administer immediate care 
• Having a stroke care unit for inpatients with specially trained nursing staff 
• Offering post-stroke recovery services and support, such as 
• A stroke program coordinator provides stroke education for patients and their families to help them understand stroke, rehabilitation, and prevention, usually an advanced practice nurse or nurse practitioner. 
• Rehabilitation and therapy services (including physical, speech, and occupational therapy) to help patients regain movement and function abilities 
• Nutrition services to help patients make positive lifestyle decisions. 

• Social work services to help patients and families cope with change. 

We also help patients improve their health through smoking cessation, weight management and exercise, and managing diabetes and cholesterol levels.