What is the highest level of stroke center certification?

The highest level of stroke center certification is a comprehensive stroke center. This designation indicates that the facility has the capability to provide the most advanced medical and surgical care for stroke patients. Comprehensive stroke centers have specialized resources, staff, and infrastructure to offer a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for the management of complex stroke cases.

These centers are equipped to handle a wide variety of strokes, including those that require advanced interventions like neurosurgery, mechanical thrombectomy, and advanced imaging techniques. They typically have rapid access to thrombolytics and endovascular therapies, extensive neurocritical care units, and a team of specialists who can address the various complications that can arise from stroke.

In contrast, primary stroke centers focus on the initial care and stabilization of stroke patients, while thrombectomy-capable stroke centers specifically have the ability to perform endovascular procedures but may not provide the full array of services available at a comprehensive stroke center. Community stroke centers provide basic stroke care but do not have the intensive capabilities of the higher-level centers.