Advanced stroke care in Michigan | Ascension
Ascension Saint Thomas

Advanced stroke care in Michigan

Neurologists at Ascension Michigan deliver emergency stroke care and rehabilitation to help you recover after a stroke.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a stroke or brain aneurysm—every second counts. Signs of a stroke include sudden loss of balance, lost or unclear vision, face drooping or uneven smile, arm weakness and speech difficulty. At Ascension Michigan, we have a state-wide network of stroke care. Our ERs, Primary Stroke Centers and Comprehensive Stroke Centers throughout Michigan provide advanced 24/7 stroke care. Neurologists, neurosurgeons and ER doctors specialize in treating stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA), carotid artery disease (CAD), carotid artery stenosis and carotid artery blockages. We quickly work together to help improve blood flow to the brain, stop a brain bleed, and help prevent future strokes.

By answering these questions, you can start to better understand your risk:
  • Are you over 65?
  • Do you have a family history of stroke?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Have you had a prior stroke or heart attack?
  • Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, peripheral artery disease, AFib, heart valve disease or sickle cell anemia?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it may be important for you to talk to your primary care doctor about your risk for stroke.

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Comprehensive stroke centers

Ascension hospitals across Michigan have earned the designation Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission*, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Comprehensive Stroke Centers deliver advanced stroke care for even the most complex cases. This highly specialized stroke care helps support better outcomes at a time when you need it most.

Our neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuro-intensivists and rehabilitation specialists work together to deliver personalized, multi-specialty care at Ascension Michigan sites of care. Our Comprehensive Stroke Centers include:

Primary stroke centers

In addition to our Comprehensive Stroke Centers, we also have hospitals designated as Primary Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission. This certification means our care teams provide advanced stroke care that meets the specialized needs of stroke patients. Our Primary Stroke Centers include:

Telestroke care provides virtual neurology consultations

Neurologists at Ascension Michigan are dedicated to delivering advanced stroke care to those across the state. Through our telestroke program, neurologists provide virtual consultations as part of our network of stroke care. Using high-definition cameras, neurologists at multiple locations can work together to provide remote examinations, recommend diagnostic tests and discuss treatment decisions with you and your care team. Telestroke services are available in ERs at:

Ascension affiliates in telestroke care

Ascension Michigan telestroke services are currently provided at seven Ascension hospitals and 8 non-Ascension affiliate hospitals throughout the state. Our telestroke care is available 24/7, providing rapid access to a team of neurologists who specialize in stroke care. The benefits of participating in the Ascension Michigan Telestroke Program is the ability of hospitals to tap into the Ascension network of physician expertise which has proven to contribute to the overall achievement of excellent patient outcomes.

Stroke recovery and rehabilitation

Having a stroke recovery care plan after a stroke is important. We listen to understand you and your health concerns. Then your care team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists work with you to create a care plan that's right for you. Our rehabilitation care team provides therapies and monitors your progress to help you meet your goals.

And our care doesn't stop when you leave the hospital — we can connect you to transitional care in your home, an outpatient stroke rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facilities. Our goal is to improve your quality of life after a stroke.

TCAR Procedure Used to Prevent Strokes

TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a minimally invasive procedure to prevent strokes in patients with carotid artery disease. By temporarily reversing blood flow, TCAR protects the brain while placing a stent to stabilize the artery. This innovative technique reduces complications and promotes quicker recovery, making it especially beneficial for high-risk patients.