Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Department

​The Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke) Department is the first of its kind in Israel dedicated specifically to stroke patients. This department treats acute stroke, coordinating care from the moment that patients reach the emergency room, through hospitalization, until their discharge home or to a rehabilitation facility. The department's physicians are on the front line of response when acute stroke patients arrive at the hospital emergency room.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a disruption in blood supply in the brain. It is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the Western world.

Early warning signs include sudden:

  • Weakness in major extremities
  • Speech disturbances
  • Visual disturbances

 

Cross-disciplinary team for progressive treatment

In addition to the team of skilled departmental specialists, a multi-disciplinary team provides complementary treatment and rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social services.

Department clinicians diagnose, consult to, and treat patients at high risk for stroke, such as individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and heart arrhythmia, and those with lifestyle factors that can impact their health, such as smokers.

 

Cerebrovascular diseases treated

The following conditions are treated in the department:

  • Carotid artery stenosis
  • Cardio-embolic stroke
  • Strokes in young adults
  • Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)
  • Acute stroke (during all disease stages)

 

Innovative Stroke Phone Service can help save lives

Time is of the essence in treatment success and recovery. The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Stroke Phone enables the stroke team to prepare quickly when a stroke victim is expected to arrive at the emergency room. During transportation to the ER, the Magen David Adom paramedic team uses the Stroke Phone to mobilize the team of ER responders, resources, and equipment in preparation for patient arrival.

 

Doppler Laboratory helps diagnose blood flow problems with minimal impact

The Doppler Laboratory performs non-invasive patient examinations of the carotid (neck) arteries and intracranial blood flow. The state-of-the-art Doppler equipment displays potential arterial stenosis (narrowing) and evaluates arterial blood flow to the brain. This comprehensive picture helps detect medical conditions, so that clinicians can prevent disease progression, prescribe medication, and perform surgery, as necessary.

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