Stroke Care
Comprehensive Stroke Center in Boston
The Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has a long-standing history of providing excellent care for people with all types of strokes. People come from throughout New England and across the United States to seek our stroke care expertise.
The BIDMC Stroke Center is proud to be one of the premier centers for cerebrovascular diseases worldwide. Our specialists offer the full range of medical, surgical and interventional capabilities. We have around-the-clock access to state-of-the-art neuroimaging, neurointerventional and endovascular care.
Advanced Emergency Stroke Care
When seconds matter, you can count on the stroke experts at BIDMC for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment with our emergency stroke care. We use advanced, state-of-the-art imaging methods to help guide treatment decisions. This includes specialized MRI techniques that BIDMC specialists developed.
Our leading-edge stroke treatment features highly specialized, minimally invasive procedures. Our specialists use tiny devices through veins and catheters to perform these key functions:
- Administer medication
- Deflate blood-filled pouches (aneurysms)
- Trap, retrieve and/or suction blood clots in the brain
Excellence in Stroke Care
Our stroke care specialists provide you with the best possible care and the latest treatment options. We hold the following prestigious certifications:
- Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) designation from The Joint Commission
- Get With the Guidelines national quality program from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association
- Gold Plus Award for Stroke Care from the American Heart Association
- Licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
These certifications show our commitment to upholding the highest quality standards and scientific treatment guidelines.
Pediatric Stroke Service
BIDMC also has a collaborative relationship with the pediatric stroke service at Boston Children’s Hospital, led by Michael Rivkin, MD.
More About Stroke Care
Through our TeleNet:Stroke service, participating community hospitals have around-the-clock access to video consultation with BIDMC stroke neurology experts. Through this service, you can receive world-class stroke care in the convenience of your community hospital.
Our BIDMC stroke team consults with emergency doctors and local neurologists — and examines patients from afar — anytime day or night. TeleNet:Stroke uses secure, image-sharing technology and video conferencing. During a remote visit, BIDMC specialists visually assess, talk with and review scans for those who may be experiencing acute stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke-like conditions.
Improving Outcomes
The TeleNet:Stroke program helps provide rapid diagnosis so that those with stroke or suspected stroke receive the most appropriate therapy in the most appropriate location as quickly as possible. Together, BIDMC and affiliated hospitals can improve stroke-related care and outcomes, with strong support for keeping you in your community hospital. TeleNet:Stroke keeps you close to home with state-of-the-art treatment.
Shared Expertise
Our program also gives affiliated hospitals logistical support to meet the national and local requirements for primary stroke center certification. We provide local doctors and stroke-care providers with ongoing education.
Easy access to BIDMC resources and expertise keep hospitals up-to-date with major advances and best practices in stroke diagnosis and treatment.
We also assist affiliated hospitals in providing stroke education and support to you and your family. We aim to expand timely access to innovative treatments through stroke-related clinical trials at BIDMC.
Our NeuroIntensive Care Unit offers the most modern technology in patient monitoring and management. This unit features bedside brain imaging with mobile CT scanners and 24-hour monitoring using video electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess the brain’s electrical activity.
Once you return home from the hospital, our stroke team continues to support you and your family through outpatient stroke care. We provide comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery resources, including a stroke support group, to improve your quality of life and boost your recovery.
We provide ongoing care and education to help lower your stroke risk and prevent future complications. Depending on your needs, you may receive care from specialists in these areas:
Those recovering from a stroke can receive additional support by joining our Stroke Support Group.
A free tutorial for caregivers and families of patients with mild memory impairments. Groups start every six months, and meet once a week for four weeks.
For more information, call BIDMC's Department of Neurology at 617-667-3090.
Act Fast, Call 911
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a life-threatening illness or injury.
Additional Services
Your stroke care team coordinates your care with other specialty providers throughout our medical center. This ensures you receive comprehensive, streamlined care.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Department of Neurology
The Department of Neurology offers exceptional patient care, education opportunities and research programs.
Neurology Research
Our top-tier research programs and laboratories work to advance the knowledge and treatment of neurological disorders.
Neurology Education
Our team offers comprehensive education and training programs for healthcare professionals, including fellowships and residencies.
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.
