Primary Stroke Center

Primary Stroke Certified

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital is certified by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. That’s important because it means that Deaconess provides the next generation of stroke care. Our stroke alert team collaborates with local EMS to provide patients with quick access to our advanced diagnostic and treatment technology.

Part of an integrated team, Deaconess Hospital, with our MultiCare Rockwood partners, offer the following stroke-specific 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 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 fourth 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.

If you witness a possible stroke, use the following tips from the National Stroke Association — the F.A.S.T. approach — to respond to the crisis:

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.

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