About Acute Stroke Care Services at Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Many of those who survive a stroke live with ongoing complications. Fortunately, there are many strategies available to prevent long-term consequences. At the Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute, we provide acute stroke care that applies the latest knowledge and technology toward minimizing or reversing the potential problems that result from stroke.

The Joint Commission has certified and given national recognition to Alexian Brothers Medical Center and St. Alexius Medical Center for our advanced stroke care. Being certified by the Joint Commission means that the care we provide has met the most stringent standards currently in use for stroke treatment. As a dedicated leader in stroke prevention and treatment, we are committed to providing a continuum of care for stroke patients that includes thorough screening, acute treatment, and post-stroke rehabilitation.

Stroke Care Standards

Our stroke care standards include:

• A multidisciplinary acute stroke team that is available 24/7
• Written protocols for emergency care of stroke patients
• Emergency department personnel trained in diagnosing and treating acute stroke
• A dedicated stroke unit staffed by physicians and nurses trained and experienced in care for acute stroke patients
• Neurosurgical services available within two hours
• A commitment from Alexian Brothers administration and medical director of the stroke unit to employ the most advanced treatment guidelines including use of the latest clinical evidence and research
• Neuroimaging services including rapid CT scan available 24/7 to help physicians accurately identify the location of the problem
• Diagnostic services including laboratory, EKG, and X-Ray available 24/7
• Outcome and quality improvement activities to monitor our patients' recovery
• Continuing medical education for emergency medical personnel and stroke team staff
• Community outreach programs on stroke prevention

Because stroke has a strong pattern of recurrence, we provide a full spectrum of care to substantially reduce your future risk. This includes guidance and education in making necessary lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, precautionary surgery.

For information about stroke survivors and the people in their lives, visit Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other (SSEEO).