Neurology and Stroke Center - Dignity Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons diagnose and treat a variety of neurological conditions, including:

• Bulging or herniated discs

• Carotid blockages

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Cervical disc conditions

• Epilepsy

• Pinched nerves

• Spinal cord conditions

• Spinal stenosis

• Spine instability

• Stroke

• Ulnar nerve entrapment

• Vascular blockages

The Dignity Health Neurology and Stroke Center at St. Joseph’s Medical Center is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, specializing in stroke treatment and prevention. Delivering expert, comprehensive care, our stroke team: 

• Assesses and treats heart rhythms that may contribute to stroke

• Administers medications to reduce the chance of another stroke

• Educates patients and families

• Provides rehabilitation therapy to help patients recover

• Uses therapies to help prevent clots from developing in the limbs

It is important to act quickly if you suspect a stroke. Remember BE FAST to spot the signs and take immediate action:

• Balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance or dizziness.

• Eyes: Check for vision loss in one or both eyes.

• Face: Look for an uneven smile or weakness on one side of the face.

• Arms: Check for weakness or inability to raise one arm. 

• Speech: Recognize sudden slurring of words. 

• Time: If any of these symptoms are present, contact 911 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Recognizing these signs can be the difference between recovery and lasting disability. If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s skilled neurosurgery team performs a comprehensive range of procedures, including treatment for:

• Adult deformity correction and reconstruction

• Anterior cervical discectomy

• Cervical and lumbar arthroplasty

• Cervical and lumbar corpectomy

• Cervical and lumbar laminectomy

• Cervical posterior foraminotomy and discectomy

• Cervical spinal fusion

• Kyphoplasty

• Laminoforaminotomy

• Lumbar microdiscectomy

• Lumbar spinal fusion

• Minimally invasive tubular procedures

• Pain management

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion

• Spinal cord stimulator placement

• Spine surgery

Vertebral body tumor ablation

Your care team is based on your condition and treatment plan. Depending on your needs, your St. Joseph’s Medical Center neurological care team may include:

• Anesthesiologists

• Intensivists

• Interventional radiologists

• Neurologists

• Oncologists

• Orthopedic surgeons

• Rehabilitation specialists

• Radiation oncologists

If you need it, we also connect you with expert neurosurgeons who deliver specialized surgical services.

Yes, through telestroke services. Using secure video connections and advanced telemedicine technology, your care team can connect with an on-call neurologist. This allows for quick evaluation of symptoms, review of imaging and guidance for treatment during the critical early hours of a stroke.

Stroke likelihood can be evaluated through a review of your health history, lifestyle factors and medical screenings. A primary care provider or neurology specialist can assess common risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart conditions and family history. In some cases, testing such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening or carotid artery imaging may be recommended.

You can also take a short online stroke health questionnaire that looks at your health, lifestyle and family history. After completing it, you will receive a free, detailed report with personalized information to help you understand your stroke risk and guide your next steps.

Take the stroke health questionnaire

We offer neurological care and stroke rehabilitation to help you regain function and improve your quality of life. Our rehabilitation programs include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy. We focus on improving mobility, communication, thinking and self-care skills to help you achieve greater independence.

Your likelihood for spine conditions can be evaluated by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors and physical health. A primary care provider or spine specialist may assess risk factors such as posture, previous injuries, activity level, bone health, weight, occupation and family history. In some cases, imaging tests or a physical examination may be recommended to better understand the cause of back or neck pain.

You can also take a short online spine health questionnaire that looks at your health, lifestyle and family history. After completing it, you will receive a free, detailed report with personalized information to help you understand your stroke risk and guide your next steps.

Take the spine health questionnaire

Most health insurance plans cover neurology services, including office visits, diagnostic testing and ongoing treatment. Coverage can vary based on your plan, provider network and whether a referral is required. Our team at (209) 943-2000 can help verify insurance coverage, explain benefits and answer questions before your appointment or procedure.