Stroke is a major cause of death and disability:

• It is the third leading cause of death inUnited States.
• There are 700,000 people affected annually with new or recurrent stroke.
• There are 275,000 deaths annually from stroke.
• On average, every 45 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke; every 3.1 minutes someone dies of a stroke.
• Stroke is the #1 cause of disability in United States.
• Stroke incidence is rising (related to aging population and lifestyle).

Source:  AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics

To provide the best possible care and best outcomes, Sinai has established a dedicated Stroke Center. The objective of the Stroke Center is to decrease complications from the disease while increasing the efficiency of necessary care. Stroke patients require special attention and testing, especially since the first hours after a stroke are so crucial. Stroke patients frequently have multiple associated comorbidities requiring continuous medical attention to reduce their risks for future stroke. The center's streamlined system allows patients to benefit from quicker treatment and discharge to a rehabilitation program, all at a lower cost. Dedicated stroke units such as this are associated with decreased mortality, death, dependency, institutionalization and length of stay.

In January 2006, Sinai received JCAHO primary stroke certification, signifying that the Stroke Center has the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes and meets the highest national standards. This also means that community hospitals without stroke care services will transport patients to Sinai depending on the needs of the patient. Where time permits, the Emergency Medical System (EMS) will take patients both within and outside of Sinai's service area directly to Sinai because of its recognized program. 

The Stroke Center of Excellence includes the following components:

• Focused, multidisciplinary stroke team to ensure appropriate protocols are employed to support early diagnosis and optimal intervention
• Highly qualified neurologists and surgeons who provide 24/7 coverage
• Specialized acute care delivered by stroke specialists during critical early recovery stage
• Use of advanced interventional approaches that incorporate leading-edge technologies to support improved outcomes
• Participation in clinical research trials to support early adoption of promising stroke technologies and clinical practices
• Formalized screening and education programs that raise market awareness of stroke: screening, symptoms and disease prevention strategies
• Integrated rehabilitation program that provides customized patient support and increases compliance with preventive therapies
• Quality improvement program