Presbyterian Healthcare 
Tests and Treatments
Presbyterian Stroke Center
| The Presbyterian Stroke Center offers comprehensive stroke care from the moment the patient arrives at Presbyterian all the way through the rehabilitation process. |
The Presbyterian Stroke Center offers comprehensive stroke care using the most advanced treatments available today. The Center is staffed by a team of stroke specialists on-call 24 hours a day including neurointerventional radiologists, neurosurgeons, neurologists, emergency medicine physicians and stroke nurses. The Center also features a neurological intensive care unit, 36-bed designated stroke unit specialized for the unique needs of stroke patients and a complete stroke rehabilitation program.
Treatment for stroke is most effective when started immediately. If you, or someone you know, experience the warning signs for a stroke, get to Presbyterian Hospital immediately.
Emergency Stroke Treatments
Medications that dissolve clots are called thrombolytic agents and are commonly known as "clot busters." One type of agent used is tissue plasminogen activator, or t-PA. These drugs have the ability to help reduce the damage to brain cells caused by the stroke. In order to be most effective, these agents must be given within three hours of a stroke symptom onset.
Corticosteroids and special types of intravenous (IV) fluids are often used to help reduce or control brain swelling, especially after a hemorrhagic stroke (a stroke caused by bleeding into the brain).
Medications of this type are called neuroprotective agents, with some still under investigation in clinical trials.
Medications Used to Treat or Prevent Stroke
Medications that help to prevent additional blood clots from forming are called anticoagulants, as they prevent the coagulation of the blood.
Surgical Procedures to Treat Stroke
Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure used to remove plaque and clots from the carotid arteries located in the neck. These arteries supply the brain with blood from the heart. Endarterectomy may help prevent a stroke from occurring.
A craniotomy is a type of surgery in the brain itself to remove blood clots or repair bleeding in the brain.
An aneurysm is a weakened, ballooned area on an artery wall that has a risk for rupturing and bleeding into the brain. An AVM is a congenital (present at birth) or acquired disorder that consists of a disorderly, tangled web of arteries and veins. An AVM also has a risk for rupturing and bleeding into the brain. Surgery may be helpful, in this case, to help prevent a stroke from occurring.
