Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2013 Sep 18.
Published in final edited form as: J Neurointerv Surg. 2010 Mar;2(1):41–43. doi: 10.1136/jnis.2009.001891

Table 1. Major Elements of a Primary Stroke Center (2).

Patient care areas

  • Acute Stroke Team (available 15 minutes of being called)

  • Written Care Protocols (evidence-based and updated)

  • Emergency Medical Services (integrated with stroke center)

  • Emergency Department (familiar with protocols and team activation)

  • Stroke Unit* (staffed by personnel with training in expertise with stroke)

  • Neurosurgical services (available within 2 hours)

Support Services

  • Commitment and support of medical organization; a dedicated stroke director

  • Neuroimaging services (CT or MRI available 24/7)

  • Laboratory services (available 24/7)

  • Outcome and quality improvement activities (database and quality improvement program)

  • Continuing medical education (ongoing staff and public educational programs)

*

A stroke unit is only required for those PSCs that will provide ongoing in-hospital care for patients with stroke