Many people think of stroke as involving the brain, but actually strokes have just as much to do with the heart and vascular system. Any interruption to the blood flow through the arteries caused by a blockage, blood clot or hemorrhage can cause the brain to temporarily or permanently lose oxygen, destroying brain cells. This is called cerebrovascular disease, a broad category that includes stroke as well as carotid stenosis, vertebral and intracranial stenosis, aneurysms, and vascular malformations.

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, has access to around-the-clock emergency diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. Our hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers.

Should you or someone you know have a stroke, the Sutter Health Stroke team will develop a treatment plan specific to the severity of your condition. Your doctor will monitor your health carefully to prevent further brain damage. Then your doctor may recommend therapy to deal with the consequences of stroke. This may include physical, speech and occupational therapy, as well as other rehabilitation programs.

Besides immediate response to acute strokes presenting at the emergency department, the Stroke Program at Sutter Health is involved in several cutting edge research trials. This includes several neuroprotective drugs, which are medications that save the brain from stroke, and new medical devices and procedures used to minimize damage to the brain after a stroke.