Pearls on Primary Stroke Center

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) provided goals and standards for development of primary and comprehensive stroke centers. There are over 800 primary stroke centers certified by The Joint Commission. This article provides a practical summary of recommendations to develop a primary stroke center, including some pearls that result from the experience of our institution in the field.

Keywords:

• comprehensive stroke center
• intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)
• primary stroke center