Stroke care
Leading the region in stroke care
Every second counts when it comes to stroke care. At Penn Medicine, we offer patients the latest advanced technology in diagnostic testing for stroke and other diseases affecting the blood vessels in the brain, enabling them to get the treatment they need quickly. After experiencing a stroke, it’s important to have a team of experts who will develop a recovery plan and do everything possible to prevent another stroke from happening. Whether you’re seeking stroke prevention, immediate intervention, or post-stroke care, our dedicated stroke team is committed to your well-being.
Six Penn Medicine hospitals across Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been recognized by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for excellence in stroke care. This includes a Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center at Lancaster General Hospital (LGH). Our teams are committed to the highest Joint Commission standards required to provide complex stroke care, according to nationally accepted standards and guidelines. We take this responsibility seriously and publicly report our quality outcomes at Penn Medicine stroke centers.
Conditions we treat
- Arterial dissection
- Central nervous system vasculitis
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CSVT)
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Ischemic stroke
Complete, comprehensive stroke management at Penn Medicine
We provide advanced solutions for all aspects of stroke care and management, from treatment to recovery and prevention. Our commitment to excellence in stroke care doesn’t end after emergency treatment, it extends to our acute rehabilitation units where patients have access to specialized recovery services that help you get back to your regular life after a stroke.
Our telehealth service brings stroke experts to you through videoconferencing, enabling timely evaluation wherever you are.
Leading in advanced stroke procedures, our stroke doctors pioneered mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that uses special tools to remove blood clots, improving your chance of recovery.
Our commitment to time-sensitive treatments includes our aim to provide a medication called Tenecteplase (TNK), a thrombolytic designed for ischemic strokes within three hours. For large clots, we perform thrombectomy within 90 minutes of your arrival, enhancing effectiveness and outcomes. With dedicated stroke procedure rooms, we eliminate the need for patient transportation to other facilities, ensuring faster and more streamlined care.
We gauge our stroke treatment and post-stroke care success through the modified Rankin Scale, striving for high percentages of patients with low scores, indicating most of our patients reach functional independence within 90 days after a stroke.
We empower patients and families to understand strokes, medications, and preventative measures. Through community outreach and educational initiatives, Penn Medicine strives to raise awareness about stroke risks, symptoms, and the importance of prompt medical attention, fostering a culture of proactive health and well-being.
Penn Stroke Centers
All Penn Medicine hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been recognized by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for excellence in stroke care. This includes a Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center at Lancaster General Hospital (LGH).
Stroke treatments: Innovative approaches at Penn Medicine
Stroke treatment is a collaborative effort beginning with our trained emergency responders and extending to our team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, specially trained nurses, and more. Our rapid stroke response is designed to reduce stroke damage and preserve quality of life. We set high standards for stroke care with 24/7 acute stroke teams, advanced neuroimaging, and a dedicated stroke care coordinator, so you feel supported every step of the way.
Stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers are invited to join our Penn stroke support groups to talk directly with others who have been touched by stroke. From medical to practical to emotional support needs, you can discuss your questions and concerns and get encouragement in a safe and caring environment.
- Register for Penn Medicine Philadelphia (virtual)
- Register for Lancaster General Health (in-person)
- Register for Princeton Medical Center (virtual)
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Locations
Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.
Related articles
Individuals with a head injury have higher stroke risk
The rate of stroke was 34 percent higher in individuals who experienced at least one head injury than in their peers with no head injury.
Lancaster General Health earns advanced stroke certification
The program achieved the Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center certification by the Joint Commission and designation as a provider of advanced stroke care.
Patient stories
When moments matter: Coach Kepler’s stroke
Central Bucks High School wrestling coach Darryl Kepler received expert stroke care from Doylestown Hospital.
Getting back to serenading after a stroke: Dick Boshart’s story
Richard “Dick” Boshart suffered a severe stroke at 84. Thanks to the quick response by Lancaster General Health, he was back to singing within months.