When the brain is not getting the necessary blood flow, due to either a burst causing bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke) or a clot (ischemic stroke), brain cells start to die.
The faster the brain can get back the necessary blood flow, the better the outcome. Minutes matter – BE FAST!
Calling 911 is the best method to get you the urgent care you need. They will get you safely to the right hospital and be able to start your care quicker. Never drive yourself or a loved one to the Emergency Department. Always call 911!
A person may have one or several symptoms and those symptoms can range from mild to severe.
TIAs or “mini strokes” are warning strokes. Although these may seem mild and last only seconds or minutes, people who have these have a significantly higher risk of having additional strokes.
Research and technology have taken us a long way in stroke care, especially in the last few years. However, some treatments are limited based on the length of time from onset (last time known well or normal). Alteplase, a clot busting medication, may be used for qualifying patients if they present in a timely fashion. Mechanical Thrombectomy, a procedure used to physically remove a clot from the brain, is another option that patients may qualify for. Remember though, time is brain!
At CHI Health, we have developed streamlined processes to be as efficient as possible upon the patient’s arrival. From pre-notification from the transporting EMS to Stroke Stops in the Emergency Department that help expedite getting patient to imaging quickly we, strive to not just meet but exceed all time goals for stroke care. Our outcomes have been proven through Joint Commission and have allowed us to earn our numerous Stroke Certifications.
Anyone can have a stroke, but certain factors put you at higher risk. Some risk factors can be changed, others cannot. Talk to your doctor about any risk factors.
A Thrombectomy is one of an array of services that falls under the subspecialty of Interventional Neurology. They are considered a big game-changer in stroke care.
A specially-trained neurologist threads a catheter through an artery in the patient’s groin to the blocked artery in the brain. A device at the end of the catheter attaches to the clot; the neurologist removes the trapped clot and blood flow to the brain resumes within minutes. Brain cells are no longer deprived of oxygen.
CHI Health Immanuel was the 4th Thrombectomy Capable Center in the Nation. To keep up with the rigorous standards of advanced ischemic stroke care set by the American Stroke Association, Immanuel transitioned to a DNV Primary Plus Stroke Center in 2024.
CHI Health’s Interventional Neurologist Vishal Jani, MBBS is the first neurologist in the state to perform the important emergency procedure. He leads our Neuro-Interventional team that is on standby, 24 hours a day, 365 days year, to treat stroke patients in our communities.
Providing cutting-edge interventional neurology procedures at Immanuel, and having streamlined transfer protocols from hospitals across our region, allows us to provide the best stroke care in the region.
Most people who survive a stroke will have some type of disability. But many people are able to make significant improvements through rehabilitation. According to the National Stroke Association:
For the best chance of improvement and regaining abilities, it is important that rehabilitation starts as soon as possible after a stroke.
Recovering from a stroke is a process that requires a lot of support. That’s why our team at the CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute will be along side you and your family every step of the way. Our acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient programs utilize the most sophisticated technology and therapies.
From advanced electrical stimulation, sophisticated swallowing and gait therapies to our world class Aquatic Center with split-moveable floors, our facility is designed with specific emphasis on what people recovering from a stroke require. We offer home assessments, peer visitation programs, community outings and structured education programs. We stay with you throughout the entire process and provide you with lifelong care by offering wellness programs, follow-up physician care, and support groups. It's everything you could want or need to help make the transition back home easier.
Using a team approach, the CHI Health Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute's stroke program encourages the involvement of those closest to you. We emphasize early rehabilitation intervention to maximize independence. Our goal is to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery.
Find out where you stand using our comprehensive Stroke Risk Assessment. Get personalized feedback about your health in regards to common factors that can contribute to a stroke.