The Advanced Primary Stroke Center

A stroke occurs when the brain's blood supply is interrupted. Without oxygen and nutrients from the blood, brain cells start to die rapidly. Left undiagnosed or untreated, it can result in serious and debilitating injury with loss of function or even loss of life. Stroke is a Brain Attack! 

Types of Strokes

• Hemorrhagic stroke – occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding in or around the brain causing damage to brain cells and tissue. Locations can be intracerebral within the brain, subarachnoid, or subdural.
• Ischemic stroke – happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted usually by a blood clot, which is the most common type of stroke. Emergency treatment can include a time-limited medication to dissolve the clot, called tissue plasminogen activator, or some patients may be eligible for clot removal, Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT).
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms which resolve. TIA’s are a warning sign that a stroke may be imminent in the future and individuals should seek treatment immediately.

Imaging plays an important role in identifying the type (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and location of the stroke

• CAT Scan imaging
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Kent Hospital has assembled a team of experienced clinical professionals who work together under nationally recommended guidelines of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to coordinate timely interventions, treatments, and rehabilitation. 

• Dedicated stroke unit providing a team-centered, multidisciplinary approach to the acute inpatient phase with a unique model of care
• Full resources of the Kent Emergency Department available 24/7
• A team of clinicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke
• Acute intervention including clot-dissolving medications if appropriate
• Diagnostic imaging to detect stroke and its complications 24/7
• Patient-centered focus on stroke detection and management across the entire health care spectrum
• Case management, including referral and progression to other services
• State-of-the-art CARF accredited Stroke Specialty Program at the Spaulding Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at Kent Hospital
• Occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists specializing in strokes with Spaulding Rehabilitation’s Stroke Specialty Program
• Spaulding Rehabilitation Outpatient Center at Kent Hospital with locations in East Greenwich, Providence, and Pawtucket
• VNA of Care New England, offers in-home health care, including the Stroke Aftercare Program, and comprehensive home care services, including rehabilitation services
• Cardiovascular intervention services
• Vascular surgery
• Care New England Pharmacy provides an array of prescription and over-the-counter medications