Stroke Program / Services

SMMC's Stroke Program Earns Accreditation from the Joint Commission

Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers. SMMC earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an unannounced on-site review in January. Read more.

Time Lost is Brain Lost. Know Your Warning Signs.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Death and long-term disability can often be prevented if patients receive proper medical treatment within the first three hours of having a stroke.

Know Your Warning Signs

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble or speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Click here for more information and resources from the American Stroke Association. If you are interested in taking a free, online seven-minute assessment to see if you are at risk for a stroke, click here.

SMMC's Stroke Program

Each year, more than 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke. Thanks to advanced medical procedures such as those offered at the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center, more people than ever before are surviving and leading productive lives. Today, close to five million stroke survivors across the country are effectively managing their health.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel (artery) that supplies blood to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. The nerve cells in the affected area of the brain are damaged, and may die within four to six minutes. As a result, the part of the body controlled by the damaged section of the brain cannot function properly. When stroke occurs, immediate emergency care minimizes permanent damage.The Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center’s team of experts has developed an outstanding stroke program that includes prevention and awareness education, rapid diagnosis, thorough treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Click here to learn more about how one of SMMC’s own associates has been impacted by stroke.

Our comprehensive approach to management of stroke includes:

• Public education and awareness programs to teach people about strategies to reduce the risk of stroke
• Coordination with EMS to facilitate rapid assessment and transport to the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center
• A team approach to rapid assessment and intervention
• Participation in research studies to improve outcomes and treatment opportunities for stroke survivors
• Advanced imaging technology that provides radiologists with the most accurate information about each patient’s condition
• Highly trained nurses and technicians that understand the needs of stroke patients.

Interdisciplinary Stroke Team

From the moment a patient arrives at the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center, and throughout every phase of treatment and recovery, there’s an entire team of experts dedicated to delivering the best care available.

Board-certified neurologists collaborate with highly specialized radiologists and other specialists to quickly diagnose patients and initiate effective treatment. After a patient stabilizes, a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, physicians, therapists, dietitians, chaplains, social workers and pharmacists works collaboratively to promote the healing and recovery process.

During hospitalization, we closely monitor every aspect of a patient’s health. Our dedicated team of rehabilitation experts develops a customized therapy plan for each patient. During the rehabilitation process, a range of health care professionals including physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, help patients restore movement and language skills that may have been affected by stroke. Our rehabilitation experts are committed to helping individuals develop skills that promote an independent and fulfilling life after stroke. Our “One Day at a Time” support group helps patients and their families adjust to lifestyle changes.

For more information about stroke care at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, call the ASK-A-NURSE Resource Center at 913-676-7777.