Stroke Center – Johnson City

When every minute counts, you need the best and you need it fast

Johnson City Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers.

The Gold Seal of Approval^® and the Heart-Check mark represent symbols of quality from their respective organizations.

The Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center at Johnson City Medical Center provides comprehensive stroke care for those at risk or suffering from vascular disorders of the brain and spine. We use the latest technologies to accurately diagnose and treat patients. Our physicians can perform minimally invasive stroke procedures. This means you get the most advanced treatment available, often with a shorter recovery time.

Treatments provided at the stroke center

• Atherosclerotic disease in the head and neck
• Brain aneurysms (elective)
• Traumatic vascular dissections
• Arteriovenous malformations (elective)

Johnson City Medical Center has received the 2022 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Johnson City Medical Center follows treatment protocols based on the guidelines from several national organizations, including:

• American Stroke Association
• The Brain Attack Coalition
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• National Stroke Association

Our stroke care team includes our neuroendovascular surgeons, neurologists, vascular surgeons and neurosurgeons.

Common questions about stroke

What is a stroke?

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function. A stroke, which can also be referred to as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.

A stroke is caused when either:

• A blood clot blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke)
• A blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke)

Even if there is a brief interruption in blood supply it can still cause problems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. Due to both the physical and chemical changes that occur in the brain with stroke, damage can continue to occur for several days.

Damage caused by strokes

Impairment of brain function occurs with the loss of brain cells.

A stroke can impair:

• Movement
• Speech
• Thinking
• Memory
• Bowel and bladder function
• Eating
• Emotional control
• Other vital body functions

Recovering from a stroke

Recovery from stroke and the specific impaired ability depends on the size and location of the stroke.

A small stroke may result in problems such as weakness in an arm or leg.

Larger strokes may cause paralysis, loss of speech or even death.

What can I expect if I am having surgery?

You will be given specific instructions on the time to arrive at the hospital and where to check in. Once checked in you will be directed to a pre-operation area where you will change into a hospital gown, and you may get white stockings to wear to help prevent blood clots in your legs after surgery.

Our endovascular nurses will talk with you about the type of anesthesia and pain medication you will be receiving. And an IV line will be placed in your arm for fluids and medicine throughout your surgery.

As with all surgeries, you will be asked to sign a standard consent form prior to surgery and your surgeon will discuss the specifics of any risks associated with your individual situation. If you have any questions prior to surgery, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor or any other member of your healthcare team.

Stroke treatment outcomes

Our team works 24/7 to exceed national benchmarks for stroke care and treatment, resulting in better outcomes for our patients.

*Complication rates national standards should be less than 3%.

Find more information about these procedures and treatments here.