Patient Care at Stanford

In addition to the diagnostic and therapeutic services offered by the Stanford Stroke Center, a full spectrum of allied patient care services is available. To ensure that emergency care is administered as expeditiously as possible in the case of stroke victims, Stanford offers 24-hour emergency helicopter and fixed-wing transport through its Life Flight program. The Emergency Department staff provide an early and essential communications link in the identification and treatment of stroke patients.

After care in the Emergency Room or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), stroke patients are generally admitted to the Inpatient Neurology or Neurosurgery Unit for continued observation, treatment and eventual rehabilitation. During their hospital stay, patients will receive care from a dedicated, interdisciplinary team.

The team includes:

  • Physicians - including the patient's primary care physician, as well as physicians on the neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology and neuroanesthesiology services
  • Registered Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses - assess and coordinate patient needs, administer treatment, provide patient/family instruction
  • Nursing Assistants - provide personal care and hygiene
  • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists - provide individualized rehabilitation treatment
  • Medical Social Worker - offers support to patient and family, works to coordinate any appropriate community resources
  • Chaplaincy - offers spiritual support to patient and family
  • Case Management - oversees hospitalization and coordinates with insurance payors, works to insure follow-up arrangements such as home care
  • Dietitian - assists with proper design of nutritional and caloric intake

Rehabilitation Services at Stanford

Stanford offers a wide variety of rehabilitation services for stroke patients, ranging from inpatient services on the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, as well as several types of outpatient therapies. The program features an interdisciplinary team approach, including physical, occupational and recreational therapists; speech/language pathologists; neuropsychologists; clinical social workers/case managers; dietitians; physicians and rehabilitation nurses.

Interventional Neuroradiology Techniques Rehabilitation Following Stroke