Stroke Center

Your Partner in the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Stroke

Each year, about 700,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke.  It is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults.  While these numbers are alarming, advances in medicine and technology have significantly improved outcomes for stroke patients.  Timely access to advanced neurological evaluation and expert stroke care are critical to recovery. 

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Program at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Stroke Center offers the specialized care and services required for the best possible outcome.  Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Stroke Center is prepared to respond quickly and effectively.  A comprehensive team of neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, rehabilitation, emergency medicine and nursing experts use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including the new 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner and CT scan, and the latest treatment options to begin the process of recovery. 

This partnership between the National Institutes of Health and MedStar Washington Hospital Center pairs leaders in scientific discovery with clinical experts.  For patients, this translates into the most advanced, quality health care.

A stroke is a "brain attack" - a medical emergency.  A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain.  Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of the arteries leading to the brain.  Other strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts and blood leaks into the brain tissue.  In both instances, the brain cannot get the oxygen it needs from the blood and brain cells begin to die.

Stroke Center Highlights

• The Comeback Club - A stroke support group dedicated to discussing the challenges and triumphs of life after a stroke
• NIH Stroke Program at the Washington Hospital Center Stroke Center Recognized as a Leader in Stroke Care
• The Stroke Center - Equipped with the Latest in Imaging Technology
• Stroke Telemedicine: Using Technology to Bring Our Experts into Community Hospitals
• The Stroke Center receives the Gold Plus Award for delivering top notch stroke care