Resources for Stroke Patients Near San Mateo County
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and prompt medical intervention is crucial for minimizing damage. Access to reliable stroke care is essential for individuals in San Mateo County. Fortunately, the county is home to several hospitals and medical centers with top-tier stroke centers, each offering specialized services for stroke patients. This guide provides an overview of the local hospitals with stroke care facilities, along with key information to help patients and families navigate their healthcare options.
1. Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center
Stroke Center Rating: Comprehensive Stroke Center
Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center is a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC), one of the highest designations for stroke care. As a CSC, the hospital offers the most advanced stroke treatments, including 24/7 access to neurology specialists, the latest in imaging technology, and advanced procedures like mechanical thrombectomy (removal of blood clots in the brain). Their stroke care team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and critical care specialists, ensuring that patients receive rapid, comprehensive care when they arrive.
At Kaiser Permanente, post-stroke care includes extensive rehabilitation options, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, all designed to support recovery and improve quality of life. The hospital’s team is also committed to educating patients and their families about lifestyle modifications to help prevent future strokes.
If you’re a Kaiser Permanente member, Redwood City Medical Center offers seamless access to these services, ensuring a coordinated, team-based approach to care.
2. Stanford Health Care (Stanford Neurology and Stroke Center)
Stroke Center Rating: Comprehensive Stroke Center
Stanford Health Care, located in Palo Alto, just south of San Mateo County, is home to a world-renowned Comprehensive Stroke Center. Stanford’s stroke team is at the forefront of research and clinical innovation, offering cutting-edge treatments and technologies for stroke management.
Stanford’s expertise in both ischemic (blood clot) and hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes makes it a leading choice for complex cases. Their advanced imaging and neurosurgical capabilities allow for rapid intervention, which is critical to minimizing brain damage during a stroke.
In addition to acute stroke care, Stanford offers a robust rehabilitation program. Their neurologists and rehab specialists work together to develop personalized recovery plans, which may include physical and cognitive therapy, speech-language pathology, and social support. Stanford also provides clinical trials for patients who may benefit from experimental treatments.
3. UCSF Medical Center (UCSF Stroke Center)
Stroke Center Rating: Comprehensive Stroke Center
The UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco is another Comprehensive Stroke Center, known for its excellence in stroke care and research. UCSF’s neurology team specializes in treating common and complex stroke cases, with access to the latest technology for diagnosis and treatment, including telemedicine services for rapid response in acute stroke situations.
UCSF’s Stroke Center has earned a reputation for providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. They offer advanced stroke treatment options, such as clot retrieval, administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (a clot-busting medication), and minimally invasive neurosurgical procedures. UCSF also excels in stroke rehabilitation, offering tailored programs to help patients regain mobility, cognitive function, and independence.
For those looking for preventive care, UCSF has educational resources, including stroke risk assessments and lifestyle modification programs aimed at reducing stroke risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
4. Sequoia Hospital (Dignity Health)
Stroke Center Rating: Primary Stroke Center
Sequoia Hospital, located in Redwood City, is a Primary Stroke Center (PSC), a designation that indicates a strong capability for diagnosing and treating stroke. While a Primary Stroke Center does not offer the full spectrum of advanced stroke interventions that a Comprehensive Stroke Center provides, Sequoia Hospital is highly capable of delivering time-sensitive treatments, including administering tPA for ischemic strokes.
Their stroke team includes skilled neurologists and emergency care providers, and the hospital has a close relationship with nearby Comprehensive Stroke Centers like Kaiser Permanente Redwood City and Stanford, ensuring smooth transfers if more advanced care is needed. Rehabilitation services are also available to support recovery after a stroke.
5. Mills-Peninsula Medical Center (Sutter Health)
Stroke Center Rating: Primary Stroke Center
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, part of the Sutter Health network, is another Primary Stroke Center serving San Mateo County. Located in Burlingame, the hospital provides immediate care for stroke patients, including the administration of tPA and other critical interventions. Mills-Peninsula works closely with Sutter Health’s network of stroke specialists and offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and speech therapy, to help patients recover.
Mills-Peninsula’s partnership with larger stroke centers allows for easy transfers if more advanced neurological care is necessary.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- Act Fast: If you or someone you know is experiencing stroke symptoms, such as sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, a deviated tongue, or difficulty walking, call 911 immediately. Time is critical when treating a stroke. Seek acupuncture treatment as soon as possible – in the hands of the right practitioner, this can make a dramatic difference in the medical outcome.
- Comprehensive vs. Primary Stroke Centers: While Primary Stroke Centers can administer essential treatments like tPA, Comprehensive Stroke Centers offer more advanced procedures and technologies, such as mechanical thrombectomy. It’s important to know the difference when deciding where to seek care.
- Rehabilitation Services: After the acute treatment phase, rehabilitation is crucial for recovery. All the facilities mentioned provide extensive rehab programs to support patients in regaining function and independence.
- Access to Cutting-Edge Research: Stanford and UCSF are leaders in stroke research, offering patients opportunities to participate in clinical trials and access the latest treatments.
In San Mateo County and the surrounding area, residents are fortunate to have access to top-tier stroke care at some of the best medical institutions in the country. Whether you choose Kaiser Permanente Redwood City, Stanford, UCSF, or a local Primary Stroke Center like Sequoia or Mills-Peninsula, it’s reassuring to know that expert stroke care is within reach. Stay informed and act quickly to ensure the best possible outcomes in the event of a stroke.