Stroke Center

A stroke requires immediate attention from a specialized team, as every second counts in preventing or reducing permanent brain damage. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s award-winning stroke centers provide prompt, efficient treatment. Trust us to provide the expert stroke care you need when it matters most.

We are among the few hospital systems in the Pacific Northwest capable of handling all types of stroke. Our team is ready 24/7 to provide appropriate care. Find a stroke specialist.

Highlights of our stroke center include: 

• Comprehensive services: Our dedicated team provides rapid assessment, emergency treatment, inpatient monitoring and follow-up care. Learn more about ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke care.

• Evidence-based care: We participate in national research studies, giving you access to new care methods before they become widely available. 

• Community leader: We support hospitals throughout the Puget Sound with immediate access to our neurologists and neurosurgeons. We also expedite patient transfers to one of our two comprehensive stroke centers when a higher level of care is needed. 

• Focus on prevention: We offer outpatient stroke prevention and follow-up services, including rapid access TIA follow-up services to lower the risk of future strokes.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s commitment to stroke care excellence has earned prestigious recognition for many of our facilities. 

The majority of our hospitals have maintained the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guildelines® Gold Plus award for many years. 

All Virginia Mason Franciscan Health locations provide high-quality emergency stroke services. No matter which hospital you visit, you receive evidenced-based care and stabilization services.

Receiving prompt emergency care at the first signs of stroke can improve the chances of survival and reduced disability. Use the acronym “BE FAST” to recognize the sudden signs of stroke and take action: 

• B – Balance: Is the person having trouble with balance or coordination?
• E – Eyes: Is there blurry or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes?
• F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Check by asking the person to smile.
• A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak? When arms are lifted, does one drift downward?
• S – Speech difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred or hard to understand? 
• T – Terrible headache: Is the person suddenly experiencing the worst headache of their life?

Time to call 911: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911. Do not drive to the hospital.

Our stroke providers anticipate your needs and ensure you receive timely, evidence-based care. Our team includes:

• Stroke (neurovascular) neurologists treat and prevent stroke.  
• Stroke (neurovascular) advanced practice providers treat and prevent stroke as a team with stroke neurologists.
• Neurosurgeons restore blood flow to the brain using traditional surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
• Neurointerventional radiologists improve blood flow using stents and can remove blockages that cause stroke if caught in time. 
• Neurohospitalists (hospital-based neurology providers) oversee inpatient neurology care.
• Neuroradiologists (radiologists with advanced training in neurological diseases) help pinpoint the source of a stroke.  
• Stroke-certified nurses provide specialized nursing care after stroke. 
• Neurorehabilitation providers help maximize your abilities.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offers online and in-person support groups. Share your experiences and learn from others who are also recovering. Your loved ones are welcome to attend. Support groups are available to you at no charge. To register, view our classes and events.

Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a stroke specialist near you.