Stroke Services

The primary stroke centers at Rhode Island, The Miriam and Newport hospitals are equipped with specially trained staff and sophisticated technology to provide the fastest, most effective stroke care. Comprehensive services include imaging technology, vascular neurosurgery and interventional radiology.

In addition, Rhode Island Hospital is the only Level 1 trauma center in southeastern New England.

The primary stroke centers at Rhode Island, The Miriam and Newport hospitals have met stringent criteria established by The Joint Commission.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel leading to the brain either bursts or becomes blocked, causing a loss of oxygen to the brain. The parts of the brain that lose oxygen become damaged and affect other parts of the body, such as speech or movement in the arms and legs. The damage can be temporary or permanent. In serious cases, stroke can be fatal. 

Act FAST! Get Help

If you have any signs of stroke or see them in someone else, call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately, even if you’re not sure. When someone has a stroke, brain damage can worsen with every passing second. Powerful drugs called tissue plasminogen activators (also called tPAs or “clotbusters”) can help stop stroke damage, but they must be administered as soon as possible by trained emergency personnel.

Resources

• Types of Stroke
• Stroke Risk Factors
• Stroke Support Group
• Nutrition and Recipes