Stroke and Neurovascular Care

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center’s mobile stroke unit (MSU) team in San Mateo County operates a specially equipped ambulance to diagnose and start treating a stroke before you arrive at the emergency room. MPMC is the only hospital in Northern California and one of only 2 hospitals in the state with MSU capability.

Research shows that MSU patients are 10 times more likely to be treated in the first hour after symptoms appear than standard emergency transport care. By treating strokes rapidly on-site, the MSU dramatically improves your chances of achieving a good outcome.

Here’s how it works: When you call 911 for a suspected stroke, the operator dispatches a regular ambulance and the MSU. Once on scene, the MSU team assesses you and determines whether a stroke is likely. If the team suspects a stroke, they’ll move you to the MSU for a CT scan to determine the type of stroke. While you receive treatment, the MSU will transport you to the nearest stroke center.

To learn more, contact Ilana Spokoyny, M.D., at ilana.spokoyny@sutterhealth.org.

With our telestroke program, you can get 24/7 remote access to our stroke specialists. Most community hospitals lack consistent stroke neurology coverage. Our telestroke program fills a critical access gap through clinical and operational partnerships. Using video teleconferencing, any medical team from anywhere can consult with our stroke specialists in real-time.

Here’s how it works: When your care team calls, the on-call stroke neurologist quickly connects with the community hospital team. This remote collaboration allows us to expedite diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients. Our transfer center can facilitate a transfer plan if you need immediate and advanced treatment that’s unavailable locally.

We ensure coordinated patient care using cutting-edge technology, seamless integration with a centralized transfer center, and around-the-clock access to highly experienced stroke specialists.

Talk with your care team to learn more about our telestroke program.

Remember, BE FAST. Look for sudden loss of or changes in:

• Balance
• Eye function or vision changes
• Face muscles drooping
• Arm or leg strength
• Speech
• Time is critical. Call 911.

Don't just stop at learning — download, print and hang our BE FAST educational materials in your school, office or home.

Call 911 anyway because the sooner you call, the greater the chance of a good recovery from whatever’s happening.