It takes a specialized team to diagnose and treat strokes. Recognized by the Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, patients at University of Michigan Health are treated by emergency medicine, neurology, neurosurgery and neurointerventional radiology physicians who are specially trained in stroke care. Vascular surgeons, cardiologists, internal medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians are also part of the care team allowing us to offer care for those with a minor stroke to those in a more complex situation. Our team treats patients before, during and after suffering a stroke, through preventive, emergent and rehabilitative care.
Accreditations and Recognition
In addition to being accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission, team members from the University of Michigan Stroke Program helped in authoring as well as participating in the American Stroke Association "Get With The Guidelines®" Quality Initiative. We have repeatedly been designated as an American Heart Association Gold Plus stroke hospital, the highest stroke quality designation. This award recognizes hospitals that provide consistently excellent care following evidence based guidelines. The AHA has recognized the quality of stroke care provided at U-M since 2005.
For information on stroke benchmarks and outcomes, visit the Stroke Outcomes page.
For 2023, the AHA/ASA presented the U-M Stroke Program with the following awards: The Stroke Get With the Guidelines Gold Plus and Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plusvwith Advanced Therapy Awards.
Timely Stroke Treatment
Stroke remains the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. For this reason, once a stroke has occurred, all attempts should be made to decrease the time from symptom onset to stroke treatment.
Our systems are set up so the U-M Stroke Team is notified the moment a patient arrives in the Emergency Department. Members of the Stroke Team are in house 24/7 and promptly evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment. For patients with the most severe strokes, our radiologists and neurosurgeons are available to perform interventions that may reduce the risk of disability.
Inpatient Stroke Care
Stroke patients at U-M are cared for in a dedicated Stroke Unit and Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU). During the patient’s stay, vascular neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscience nurses with advanced training in stroke care, and a medical team containing experts in stroke treatment and complications, including physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists and rehabilitation specialists all work together so patients can have optimal recovery for their individual situation. It has been shown that being treated on a dedicated stroke unit improves survival and functional outcome following stroke, as well as decreasing complications and length of hospital stays. The use of these specially-trained physicians and nurses has also been shown to significantly improve stroke patient outcome.
Patients begin working with occupational and physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists as soon as they are medically ready. If therapy is needed after discharge, we work with patients and their families to plan the best recovery strategies.
Preventive Stroke Care
As part of a comprehensive team, we are able to collaborate with cardiologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and vascular surgeons for treatment plans that have a goal to prevent future strokes. Together we use the latest scientific information to put the best stroke prevention plan into action for each patient. This may range from lifestyle changes to the most sophisticated testing and treatment to decrease stroke risk.
Next Steps
For Patients: If you think you or a loved one might be having a stroke, call 911. If you have had a stroke in the past or think you might be at risk for one call us at 1-888-287-1082 to make an appointment for a consultation. Visit our Stroke Patient Resources page for more information about stroke, including videos and care guides.
For Physicians: If you are a physician and want to refer a patient, call M-LINE at 800-962-3555.