Comprehensive stroke center in Las Vegas
According to the American Stroke Association, about 795,000 Americans experience a new or repeated stroke each year. As the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S., a stroke occurs every 40 seconds on average. Our stroke specialists at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center are working to change these statistics by offering specialized stroke treatment.
Our stroke center offers diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, education and outreach for our patients. We have a team of doctors and nurses who work to identify stroke symptoms as quickly as possible, beginning with emergency medical service workers. We also educate and build awareness of stroke symptoms among healthcare professionals and the community.
To find a physician specializing in care for stroke, call us at (702) 233-5454.
Award-winning stroke care
Sunrise Hospital's stroke center is certified by the Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center for receiving and treating the most complex stroke cases.
The hospital has received the American Heart Association's Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. We have also earned the association's Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite award, which means most of our patients receive lifesaving clot-busting medication to treat an acute stroke within 60 minutes.
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities has accredited Sunrise's inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs. We follow the highest standards in helping patients regain physical strength and speech function. Our goal is to help our patients adapt to their new lifestyles as smoothly as possible.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when an area of the brain is deprived of blood flow. The signs and symptoms of stroke can be similar to other conditions, so the physician will perform diagnostic tests to determine if you are actually having a stroke.
A computerized tomography scan is the first step in determining if you have had a stroke and the type of stroke that is occurring.
Types of stroke
There are three basic types of stroke:
Ischemic stroke
This is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the brain is significantly narrowed or blocked. In addition, a buildup of plaque causes the artery to narrow.
Plaque in the arteries can break off in small pieces, or the rough edges can cause blood clots. Blood clots eventually break free to become stuck in small blood vessels in the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke
This type of stroke accounts for only 13 percent of strokes and occurs less frequently than an ischemic stroke. However, it is responsible for 30 percent of all stroke deaths.
Instead of a blockage, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, allowing blood to flow freely into the skull and brain tissue. This blood flow causes damage to the brain cells. Some people have defects in their blood vessels of the brain that make this more likely.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
TIAs are often called mini-strokes because they are temporary blockages of the artery and leave no permanent brain damage. The symptoms of a TIA will usually go away within 24 hours, depending on which artery is blocked. However, it is often treated the same as a stroke because the symptoms can be very similar.
TIAs are a warning sign that patients should discuss with their physician. More than 30 percent of people who experience TIAs ultimately experience a stroke.
Stroke symptoms
When a stroke occurs, time equals brain cell death. Stroke is an emergency, yet most people do not take action with symptoms of a stroke. Remember, a stroke is a “brain attack.”
Symptoms of a stroke occur suddenly and include:
- Numbness, weakness, tingling or loss of feeling in your face, arms or legs, especially on one side
- Slurred speech, trouble talking or problems with understanding others when they speak
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; double vision
- Loss of balance or falling
- Severe headache
- Dizziness or blackout
Know the warning signs of a stroke by remembering the word "F.A.S.T.”:
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred?
- Time: Act fast and call 911.
Stroke treatment
Time is of the essence when treating a stroke. Our neurological care includes several procedures to restore blood flow and lessen damage to the brain:
Carotid artery procedures
The carotid arteries are located in the neck and bring oxygenated blood to the brain. These arteries may develop a buildup of cholesterol and calcium over time, resulting in the narrowing of the vessel. This can either lead to decreased flow of blood to the brain and possibly a stroke.
Your physician may recommend a procedure to open the artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain. Sometimes they use a stent to keep the artery open.
Carotid endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure where a physician repairs a blockage by opening the carotid artery and removing the plaque from the vessel's inner wall.
- Carotid Stent (CAS) 0% mortality rate, 3% complication rate
- Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) 0% mortality rate, 6% complication rate
Stroke rehabilitation
We offer a full range of physical therapy and rehabilitation services for patients who have had a stroke. Stroke rehab can help you regain motor skills and balance, improve speech and alleviate difficulties in swallowing.
Stroke support
Sunrise Hospital offers a stroke support group to those in the Southern Nevada region. It is held every third Wednesday of each month from 6pm to 8pm at the Sunrise Hospital Auditorium. The address is:
3186 S. Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Note: Due to COVID-19, support group meetings may have been canceled. Visit our calendar of events for more information.
Stroke screenings
We provide stroke prevention screenings twice a year: once during May for National Stroke Awareness Month and again during our annual H2U fall festival. These screenings allow you to speak with a registered nurse about personal risk factors and how to recognize stroke symptoms.