Why Choose an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center
When it comes to treating stroke and other emergencies with the potential to damage brain tissue, time is of the essence. Making it crucial for patients to be treated as soon as possible — preferably at an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center with medical staff available 24/7 to administer treatment in a time–sensitive manner.
St. Jude Medical Center is certified by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, a recognition reserved for hospitals capable of treating even the most challenging types of stroke. We are one of only a handful of hospitals in the state to offer this unique level of care.
This honor recognizes the significant differences in expertise, resources and training that are necessary to provide today’s most advanced stroke care, and highlights our ability to consistently meet and exceed national standards and benchmarks. In the treatment of all types of strokes, we are a nationally–recognized leader in helping patients regain their lives.
We offer patients a complete range of services and specialists for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke. If needed, our expert physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and therapists help patients recover from the physiological impact of a stroke.
What makes a stroke center comprehensive?
The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association /American Stroke Association allow hospitals to apply for two advanced certifications in stroke care, “primary” or “comprehensive.” Comprehensive stroke centers offer the highest level of care, including dedicated neurointensive care unit, complex neurosurgical interventions, and advanced brain and blood–vessel imaging, as well as nurses, technologists and therapists with the additional education and expertise to care for complex stroke patients.
View some of the criteria that set us apart as a Comprehensive Stroke Center:
Primary Stroke Centers
Take care of most cases of ischemic (blood vessel blockage) types of stroke.
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
Cares for all types of stroke patients, including bleeding (or hemorrhagic) strokes, such as those caused by brain aneurysms.
Primary Stroke Centers
Not required.
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
On–site Neurointerventional availability 24/7 with the ability to perform complex neurovascular procedures, such as clot retrieval, brain aneurysm coiling, brain tumor and Arteriovenous malformation embolizations, and carotid stenting.
Primary Stroke Centers
No requirement for a separate intensive care unit for stroke patients.
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
Dedicated neurointensive care unit for stroke patients.
Primary Stroke Centers
Access to neurosurgery within 2 hours.
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
On site neurosurgical and vascular availability 24/7 with the ability to perform complex neurovascular procedures, such as brain aneurysm clipping, vascular malformation surgery and carotid endarterectomy.
Primary Stroke Centers
Sends complex patients to a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
Receives patients from Primary Stroke Centers