Woman and female doctor looking at image of brain scan on tablet.

Stroke & Aneurysm Care

If you or a loved one suffers a stroke, count on the quick response and expertise that you’ll find at Avera locations. Get help fast through your local emergency department.

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Strokes can happen to anyone of any age at any time. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and taking action can save a life. Even just a few minutes can make a big difference.

BE FAST to Prevent Stroke

BE FAST is an easy way to remember and recognize the sudden signs of stroke. BE FAST stands for:

B – Sudden BALANCE loss
E – Sudden EYESIGHT loss
F – FACE drooping
A – ARM weakness
S – SPEECH difficulty
T – TIME to call 911

Learn more about stroke warning signs and symptoms from the American Stroke Association.

BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. Copyright 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.

Region’s Only Comprehensive Stroke Center

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center is home to the only certified stroke center in the region as designated by the DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification. This national recognition demonstrates the highest level of expertise to diagnose, treat and support stroke emergencies for our patients.

Also as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center as certified by the Joint Commission, our Stroke Center is nationally recognized for excellence.

Heatlhcare Accreditation Services Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center logo

Expertise for Treating Stroke & Aneurysm

Stroke & Aneurysm Intervention Program

With premier interventional neurology therapies, Avera’s neuro-critical care unit is comprised of a fellowship-trained neuro-endovascular specialist and neuro-intensivists. These board-certified providers help give you lifesaving care close to home without the need to travel outside of the Avera health system.

Our neuro-endovascular stroke program uses minimally invasive methods to treat disorders of blood vessels involving the head, neck and spine, whether it be on an emergent or elective basis. Our neuro-endovascular stroke program allows for a wider time window for stroke treatment—for up to 24 hours from onset of symptoms. Our team also provides the full spectrum of care for brain aneurysms.

With 24/7 immediate stroke care, Avera offers immediate assessment, intervention and management of acute strokes. Learn more about neuro-critical care at Avera.

Timely Stroke Treatment

Benefit from Avera’s team and technology – dedicated to providing the best outcomes after a stroke. You’ll receive comprehensive care from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care. Take advantage of:

24-hour coverage by certified stroke nurses
Dedicated brain and spine unit and case management
Emergency department care transfer
Immediate, advanced intervention and management of acute stroke
Outpatient stroke clinic for follow-up care
Inpatient rehabilitation
Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Patient outcome tracking system
State-of-the-art neurodiagnostic techniques

Stroke Risk Factors

You can help prevent stroke by modifying your lifestyle to reduce risk factors. Risk factors that may increase your chance of experiencing a stroke include:

Diabetes
Excessive use of alcohol
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Lifestyle issues, including obesity and lack of exercise
Smoking

Expert Advice on Stroke & Aneursym Topics

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See Your Doctor to Help Prevent Stroke

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is among top risk factors for stroke. In fact, 80% of strokes are preventable. Address blood pressure and other chronic conditions with the help of your primary care provider.

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