Emergency Stroke Care
Rapid response for stroke emergencies
Advanced Stroke Diagnosis and Treatment
At the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we are dedicated to providing quick, expert care for strokes. From recognizing the signs of a stroke to receiving treatment, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our goal is to make sure you or your loved one gets the best possible care during a stroke emergency.
When a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens, every second counts. Call 911 right away. Our Acute Stroke Team is ready 24/7 to give expert care.
Recognized with a Gold Plus Award from the American Heart Association for excellence in stroke care, our team includes neurologists, emergency doctors, critical care doctors, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, radiologists, neurointerventionalists, cardiologists, nurses and other specialists. We work together to make sure you get the best care.
Our Approach to Stroke Care
We use advanced diagnostic tools like specialized MRI scans to quickly and accurately diagnose strokes. Our treatments include minimally invasive procedures like carotid endarterectomy, transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) and vascular catheterization to remove or prevent blood clots and treat aneurysms.
Neurology Intensive Care & Rehabilitation
After medical emergency treatment, stroke patients receive continuous monitoring in our Neurology Intensive Care unit. We use mobile CT scanners and video EEG for bedside brain imaging. Once stable, patients can begin our stroke rehabilitation to help recover and regain their abilities. Learn more about our Stroke Care services.
More About Emergency Stroke Care
It's important to know the signs of a stroke or a TIA, also called a mini stroke. Look for these symptoms and BE FAST:
- Balance: A sudden loss of coordination or balance
- Eyes: Blurred vision, double vision or sudden change in vision
- Face: Drooping in one or both sides of the face especially when smiling
- Arms: One arm drifts downward when raised or numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Speech: Speech sounds slurred or garbled with difficulty repeating phrases
- Time: If you notice any of the above signs, call 911 right away, and report the time signs and symptoms started
If you see these symptoms, get medical help right away. These signs can mean a stroke is happening and you need immediate medical care.
At our Comprehensive Stroke Center, we treat all the different types of strokes, including:
- Ischemic Stroke: A blockage in an artery stops blood from reaching the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: A blood vessel in the brain bursts.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, also known as a mini stroke.
- Mild Stroke: Smaller strokes that may not cause major symptoms but still need treatment.
Act Fast, Call 911
If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, act fast and call 911.
Additional Services
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Emergency Medicine
The Department of Emergency Medicine provides care for patients and participates in education and research programs.
Emergency Medicine Research
Our International Emergency Medicine Program promotes academic programs and clinical excellence worldwide through research.
Emergency Medicine Education & Training
BIDMC offers graduates and physicians education and training opportunities in emergency medicine.
Award-Winning Care
BIDMC is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. We are also a Primary Stroke Service Provider, certified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Our participation in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get with the Guidelines Stroke program ensures we follow best practices.
These certifications mean our patients receive the highest quality care, benefiting from the latest research and treatments.
