Stroke Center - Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital Downtown

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves. Our neurology team treats a range of neurological conditions, including:

• Aneurysms

• Brain tumors

• Bulging discs

• Carotid blockages

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Cervical disc conditions

• Epilepsy

• Herniated discs

• Hydrocephalus

• Pinched nerves

• Spinal cord conditions

• Spinal stenosis

• Spine instability

• Stroke

• Ulnar nerve entrapment

• Vascular blockages

As a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, we specialize in providing advanced care for stroke patients.

Our stroke team provides expert acute stroke treatment, including administering tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) medication to dissolve blood clots, conducting thorough evaluations and providing individualized care. We also offer dedicated intensive care units and stroke rehabilitation services.

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, call 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.

Mercy Hospital Downtown's skilled neurosurgery team performs a comprehensive range of procedures, including treatment for:

• Anterior cervical discectomy

• Cervical corpectomy

• Cervical laminectomy

• Cervical spinal fusion with bone graft and plate

• Cervical spinal fusion with cages

• Complex spine surgery

• Craniectomy

• Cranioplasty

• Craniotomy

• Kyphoplasty

• Laminoforaminotomy

• Lumbar decompressive laminectomy 

• Lumbar corpectomy

• Lumbar microdiscectomy

• Microsurgery with tubular retractors

• Pain management

• Stereotactic brain biopsy

• Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery

Your care team is based on your condition and treatment plan. Our dedicated Mercy Hospital Downtown stroke teams include certified stroke nurses, interventional radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists and stroke care coordinators.

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 major 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 staff can help verify insurance coverage, explain benefits and answer questions before your procedure so you can focus on your care.