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 at 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
• Washington State Level 1 Stroke Center

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 B.E.F.A.S.T. warning signs is essential to recovery. 

B = Balance - loss of balance or coordination
E = Eyes - change in vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
F = FACE: face looks uneven or droopy on one side
A = ARMS: sudden weakness or numbness in the arm or leg, especially if only on one side
S = SPEECH: slurred or jumbled speech or difficulty getting words out
T = TIME: time to call 911 immediately

Other symptoms include a sudden severe headache with no known cause, sudden confusion or dizziness.

If any of these occur, even if they go away, it could be a stroke. Every minute counts - call 911 immediately.

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

To learn more about our neurology team, call 509-342-3200.