Stroke Services

Time is brain and in the event of a stroke, every minute counts.

Stroke care at Swedish is designed to ensure that stroke patients receive safe, timely, comprehensive care using the most advanced treatments available.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke could help save your life or the life of a loved one. When the blood stops flowing to a section of the brain, the functions controlled by that part of the brain are affected – such as movement of your arms or legs, or your sight, hearing or speech. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and to call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

An easy way to remember what to look for is to think and BE FAST.

B – Balance: Does the person have a sudden change in balance?

E – Eyes: Does the person have loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision?

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech: Ask the person to say something. Is the speech slurred or do they have trouble speaking?

T – Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Time is critical!

Although your family history and ethnic background may be risk factors you cannot control, there are many lifestyle choices that may provide you some protection from stroke.

Quitting or never smoking, eating the right foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and participating in regular exercise are a few ways you can improve your overall health and protect yourself from stroke.

Patients who have suffered a stroke and have been treated at Swedish or those who have been transferred to Swedish from another hospital can receive follow-up care to help prevent future strokes. Patients may receive treatment for underlying problems – such as vascular disease or atherosclerosis – that may have been the cause of stroke, as well as access to education to help patients avoid another stroke.

Our comprehensive approach to stroke care includes:
  • The latest advances, ranging from “clot-busting” drugs to improved techniques for vascular surgery
  • State-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology
  • Exceptional specialists in cardiology and radiology, as well as experts in rehabilitation, nursing and emergency medicine
  • A dedicated, stroke-trained specialist to coordinate the stroke patient’s care

Our physicians and nurses work closely with our stroke patients’ primary-care physicians to coordinate treatment plans and evaluate progress.

We place a high priority on research that may lead to shorter hospital stays and speedier recoveries and may improve the possibility of preventing stroke in the future.