Comprehensive Stroke Center at Deaconess Hospital

Comprehensive Stroke Care Certified

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital is the first hospital in the Inland Northwest region to be certified by DNV-GL as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Deaconess Hospital provides the next generation of stroke care for all patients. Our stroke alert team collaborates with local EMS to provide patients with quick access to our advanced diagnostic and treatment technology. Comprehensive stroke centers are typically the largest and best-equipped hospitals in a given geographical area that can treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication

Part of an integrated team, Deaconess Hospital, with our MultiCare Rockwood Clinic partners, offer the following stroke-specific services:

• Direct to CT services
• 24-hour MRI and CT
• Dedicated stroke team with integrated services throughout the continuum of care
• Dedicated Critical Care and Stroke Units with stroke-certified nursing staff
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and case management specializing in neuro-stroke rehabilitation
• Post-hospital follow-up in Spokane’s only Stroke/TIA Clinic
• Acute treatment of stroke with Alteplase (t-PA)
• Acute treatment of stroke with mechanical clot retrieval
• Advanced neuroimaging with hyperacute MRI, CT, Transcranial Doppler and 3D US
• Endoscopic neuro-surgical treatment options for neurovascular abnormalities
• General neuro-surgical treatment options

What is Stroke?

Stroke is considered a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the fifth most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. That's why it is important to know the risk factors of stroke.

What Causes Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

What are Signs of a Stroke?

Every stroke is different, but every stroke is also largely treatable. However, you have to get help fast. That’s why knowing the F.A.S.T. warning signs is essential to recovery. 

F = FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T = TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Dr. Jon Ween further explains what you should look for in the video below.

To learn more about our neurology team, call 509-342-3240.