Benefis - Stroke

Stroke

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States and attacks 550,000 Americans a year, 150,000 of whom die of its effects.

Benefis Hospitals Stroke Center has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center Certification was developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association. A Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. Achievement of certification signifies that the services we provide have the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.

The organization received a five-star rating for Stroke care and was named as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence in 2008 by Healthgrades. Our award winning program is rated among the best in Montana and top 10% of the National for Stroke Care.

Benefis Hospitals provides comprehensive stroke services to patients and their families residing in Cascade County and North Central Montana. The Stroke Center's mission is to provide:
1) Patient care of the highest quality which spans the continuum of care for cerebrovascular
     prevention to end of life.
2) Provide comprehensive care for stroke patients, starting in the
     Regional Emergency Center and continuing through inpatient care in the Intensive Care
     Unit and the Regional Rehabilitation Center. Outpatient rehabiltation services are also
     provided at Benefis Therapy Center
3) Education regarding all facets of cerebrovascular care for the patient, family, public
     and medical community enabling all to be partners in the stroke care team.
4) Communication, which disseminates evolving concepts of quality cerebrovascular care
     to all.
5) Access to participation in clinical trials, which may help prevent stroke, enhance recovery
     and advance scientific knowledge.

Stroke onset is very rapid and, due to a blood clot or blood-vessel rupture in the brain, starts killing brain cells immediately. For this reason, quick treatment is imperative as any continued destruction of brain cells can directly cause increased loss of function.

Stroke Symptoms
If you or someone in your presence exhibits any of the following:

One-sided weakenss, numbness or paralysis.
Blurred or decreased vision.
Problems speaking or understanding.
Dizziness or loss of balance.
Sudden, severe or unexplained headache.

It may be a Brain Attack. Call 911 immediately!

Helpful Information
A wealth of information on stroke is available on the web, some major catgories:

A number of other organizations also provide free information about stroke, as well as prevention and treatment. Some suggested websites:

Benefis Stroke Center was awarded Certification by The Joint Commission for its effective use of established clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care, performance measurement and improvement activities.

If you have any questions about Benefis Hospitals or this website, please email us. We want to hear from you!