A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced by a blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptured (hemorrhagic stroke) blood vessel. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate care.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
During a stroke, brain cells cut off from their normal blood supply begin to die, which can result in patients having difficulty with vision, speaking, walking, eating and performing other routine functions of daily living. The longer an area of the brain is deprived of oxygen-supplying blood, the greater the number of injured cells. Quick medical intervention can often return blood supply to the affected portions of the brain, helping to limit damage and minimize long-term disabilities. That's why every minute saved in treating a stroke can truly make a life-altering difference to a patient.

Emergency Care
In the Greater Sacramento area, Sutter provides emergency stroke care through each of its affiliate hospitals: Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Sutter Davis Hospital, Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento (which encompasses Sutter General Hospital and Sutter Memorial Hospital). Sutter Roseville Medical Center is a Level II trauma care center with sophisticated diagnostic equipment, neurosurgery capabilities for emergencies and a dedicated neurosurgical intensive care unit monitored around the clock.

Sutter Neuroscience Institute Stroke Center
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento is the central site of the Sutter Neuroscience Institute. The Sutter Stroke Center provides advanced care and serves as a resource to Sutter regional hospitals and other healthcare providers. The center features a dedicated Stroke Response Team available around the clock that responds within minutes to patients with stroke symptoms admitted to Sutter General or Sutter Memorial Hospitals. The center delivers comprehensive diagnostic testing, medical and surgical care, and interventional therapies at the highest level. In addition, the program works with other hospitals, offering advanced care to transported patients, guidance to help determine the nature and severity of a patient's condition, expertise on managing particular cases, and ongoing educational opportunities to healthcare providers and patients.

Because stroke is a life-threatening emergency requiring the fastest available care, patients may be admitted to an emergency unit at one hospital and then transferred to the Stroke Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento for more extensive diagnostic testing and treatment. The center's interdisciplinary team of experts includes specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, vascular neurosurgery, endovascular surgical neuroradiology, and highly trained diagnostic radiology staff, registered nurses and support staff experienced in caring for stroke patients.
Once a patient has moved through the acute phase of a stroke, the team assesses the amount of impairment through functional testing and diagnostic imaging of the brain. By accurately evaluating the extent of damage, the team can establish a course of rehabilitative care specifically tailored to each individual's needs and abilities.

Learn About Stroke
A stroke happens suddenly, silently and without warning, so it's important to be able to spot the symptoms and understand the urgency of obtaining immediate medical care. Stroke is the country's leading cause of disability and the third most common cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer. For the sake of your health and well-being, as well as those around you, we encourage you to take some time to review the information provided on this Web site and the links provided.