Comprehensive Stroke Center in Santa Clara County

If you or a loved one are experiencing stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Recognition

As an accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center through DNV, Good Samaritan Hospital is certified at the highest level for stroke care, capable of treating all stroke types. our neurospecialists are available 24/7 to provide their expertise when needed, supported by deciated Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NSICU). With advanced technology and highly-trained staff, we provide a full range of imaging, interventions, and emergency surgical services on-site available anytime.

Our comprehensive stroke program

Our multidisciplinary team works together to support patients and families at every stage of care - from emergency treatment and critical care to recovery and rehabilitation. We are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality health care for thr whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

Features of our stroke center include:

  • 24/7 operating room (OR) staffing and interventional care
  • Advanced care that addresses acute and recovery stages of stroke
  • Stroke experts and nurses certified by the National Institute of Health (NIH)
  • Vascular neurologists and neurosurgeons onsite to treat complex stroke cases

In addition, we have consistently received recognition for stroke care excellence from the American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) program since 2005. This program keeps participating hospitals aligned with the latest scientific stroke guidelines and has proven to improve outcomes in stroke patients.

Resources

Stroke Awareness Foundation (SAF)

Through the Stroke Fall Grant Program, Good Samaritan Hospital has partnered with the Stroke Awareness Foundation to expand their mission of community awareness and outreach for stroke prevention and to improve outcomes.  Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.  Community education remains a large focus for primary prevention.

For more stroke information below:

National resources

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

For information on neurological disorders and research programs:

American Stroke Association (A Division of the American Heart Association)

Offers educational items, Stroke Connection magazine, and support programs:

National Aphasia Association

Care and rehabilitation for people with aphasia through education and support:

Brain Aneurysm Foundation

Raises awareness about brain aneurysms and provides caregiver resources:

Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other

Provide support, education and resources to stroke survivors and caregivers.

Family Caregiver Alliance

Offers resources and support for caregivers:

Online resources

Support networks

Spanish resources

  • Recursos en Español: stroke.org/es
  • DerrameCerebral.org

Healthy Recipe Book for Stroke Survivors (in English and Spanish)

Local resources

(For those in the California Bay Area)

Mission Oaks Support Groups

Provides support for stroke patients and families:

  • Address: 15891 Los Gatos Almaden Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032
  • Phone: (408) 559-2011

Stroke Awareness Foundation

Promotes community awareness and stroke education:

Peninsula Stroke Association

Offers stroke education and support for survivors and caregivers:

Recognizing a stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off. When blood flow is cut off, brain cells begin to die. As brain cells die, functions and abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. The longer the blood flow is cut off, the more serious the problems can become.

Stroke signs & symptoms

  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; having double vision
  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; especially if only on one side of body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
  • Sudden severe headache, often with nausea or vomiting

What should I do?

A stroke is a medical emergency EVERY SECOND COUNTS! Don’t wait to see if symptoms get better. Acting quickly can save a life or prevent severe disability. If you or someone else might be having a stroke…

BE FAST - CALL 911

Stroke care team

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive neurological care, we are equipped to quickly identify stroke symptoms and treat patients to reduce long-term effects. Our stroke care team includes:

  • Neurointensivists
  • Neurologists
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Neurointerventional radiologists
  • Registered nurses

Stroke treatments we offer

Our emergency room (ER) is equipped to provide rapid stroke evaluation and treatment. Our advanced care and techniques allow us to extend the treatment window significantly by dissolving and extracting blood clots deep in the brain.

In addition, we have a neurological intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) staffed 24/7 by neurointensivists. This is where patients receive close monitoring and follow-up care after experiencing a stroke or other type of neurological condition.

Neurointerventional radiology procedures

Our neurointerventional radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures to treat stroke. Treatment options may include:

  • Cerebral angiogram: Produces images of the inside of the blood vessels
  • Cerebral stenting/balloon angioplasty: Reopens narrowed blood vessels
  • Cerebral thrombectomy: Removes blood clots
  • Intracranial angioplasty: Widening of blood vessels in the brain

Carotid artery procedures

The carotid arteries are located in the neck and bring oxygenated blood to the brain. These arteries may develop a build-up of cholesterol and calcium over time, resulting in the narrowing of the blood vessels and decreased blood flow. When left untreated, a blocked carotid artery can lead to a stroke.

Our stroke specialists may recommend one of the following procedures to open the carotid artery and restore normal blood flow to the brain:

  • Carotid artery stenting: When a skinny mesh tube, or stent, is placed inside your carotid artery to open it up and increase blood flow.
  • Carotid endarterectomy: When a surgeon removes the plaque clogging your carotid artery to help promote blood flow.
  • Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR): When the surgeon makes a small incision in the neck and inserts a catheter into the carotid artery. A device is then used to temporarily block blood flow in the affected artery, allowing the surgeron to insert a stent to open up the blockage.

Aneurysm clipping and coiling

A cerebral aneurysm is a weak spot in an artery that bulges outward and fills with blood. The weakened artery has the potential to rupture, which can be life threatening. Clipping and coiling are two common procedures used to clot off an aneurysm, whether it has ruptured or not.

To find a specialist, please review our physicians listing or call (408) 559-2011.

Stroke rehabilitation

After a stroke, rehabilitation can play a critical role in recovery. Our neurological rehabilitation program is designed to help patients regain cognitive and physical abilities. Your stroke rehabilitation team may include:

  • Neurorehabilitation physiatrists
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech-language pathologists

For more information about our rehabilitation program, call (408) 358-5689.