Stroke
Stroke strikes when a blood vessel in your brain becomes blocked or bursts, cutting off blood flow. Immediate treatment minimizes damage and maximizes your chances of recovery. Certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center, trust Gundersen to be your partner in stroke care for expert evaluation and intervention when seconds count.
Stroke symptoms
A stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate action.
If you or a loved one experience sudden loss of balance, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, facial drooping or weakness in an arm or leg, don't hesitate – call 911 immediately.
Every Gundersen hospital with an emergency room provides critical stroke care, including clot-busting medication that can improve outcomes if given within 4½ hours of the start of symptoms.
Tele-Neurology: Expert stroke care, anytime, anywhere
Tele-Neurology expands access to specialized stroke care across the region. Through 24/7 virtual consultations with expert neurologists, we partner with hospitals to remotely assess patients, collaborate with on-site teams and recommend treatment plans, ensuring optimal care regardless of location.
Our partners in Wisconsin include Black River Memorial Hospital, Crossing Rivers Health, Vernon Memorial Hospital and Tomah Health. We also work with Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa, and Winona Health in Winona, Minn. Every Gundersen hospital offers Tele-Neurology, ensuring expert care and transfers to higher-level care facilities if needed.
Stroke services
Gundersen's designation as a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center demonstrates our relentless commitment to providing exceptional stroke care and achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Our team of stroke neurologists, neurointerventionalists, neurosurgeons, stroke coordinators, skilled nurses and therapists meet rigorous standards for stroke care and improve practices. We participate in national data registries to compare our outcomes and confirm our commitment to excellence.
Stroke Alert Team
Our Stroke Alert Team is a multidisciplinary group of experts trained to quickly assess and treat patients experiencing stroke symptoms.
Advanced imaging capabilities
With 24/7 access to advanced imaging like CT, CT angiography, CT perfusion, MRI and MRA, we can rapidly diagnose stroke and assess the extent of potential brain damage, leading to faster and more effective treatment decisions.
Clot-busting medication
If you or a loved one are experiencing a stroke caused by a blood clot and arrive at the hospital quickly, you may be eligible for Tenecteplase. This "clot-busting" medication can help dissolve the clot and improve your chances of recovery.
Minimally invasive procedures
We offer minimally invasive procedures to treat stroke, including:
- Thrombectomy: A catheter inserted through the groin or wrist removes the blood clot causing the stroke
- Thrombolysis: Like thrombectomy, but a clot-busting medication delivered to the clot
- Angioplasty/stenting: A catheter with a tiny balloon widens narrowed blood vessels; a stent may keep the vessel open
Surgical prevention procedures
If you're experiencing stroke symptoms due to a narrowed artery in your neck, an endarterectomy might be an option. This surgery removes the plaque buildup, helping to prevent future strokes and improve blood flow to your brain.
Neurology outpatient care
For ongoing stroke care and recovery, our Neurology clinic provides follow-up appointments and personalized monitoring plans.
Outpatient therapy
We tailor outpatient therapy to your specific needs after a stroke, providing physical, occupational and speech therapy to support your recovery.
Patient education
A stroke is a major life event. Learn about the different types of stroke, how you can prevent a stroke and what to expect during stroke recovery.
Stroke support groups
Support groups can help stroke survivors and family recover from the life event.
Stroke and recovery care
Neuroscience Specialty Unit
Our dedicated 24-bed neuroscience unit specializes in acute stroke care, with neurology-trained nurses providing rapid response and close monitoring for optimal patient outcomes. The collaborative team of experts delivers comprehensive care, including intensive therapy and personalized education, to maximize patient recovery and independence. Our advanced capabilities allow us to care for patients who require intensive care, ensuring the highest level of specialized care.
Inpatient Rehab
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, our 24-hour specialized stroke rehabilitation unit provides intensive therapy from a multidisciplinary team, with patients receiving 3+ hours of therapy at least 5 days a week. This specialized care, backed by decades of accreditation, focuses on maximizing patient function and independence after stroke.
Call 911 now if you or a loved one are experiencing stroke symptoms.
We offer stroke care close to home. If you're concerned about your stroke risk, your primary care provider can help with steps to reduce your risks.
Related articles and events
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Greater La Crosse Area Stroke Club
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