Neuroscience/Stroke Care

Every 40 seconds, someone suffers a stroke in the United States. Of the approximately 795,000 Americans who suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year, 137,000 die, making stroke the number three cause of death in the country. And the cost of stroke is measured with more than lost lives: Americans will pay almost $74 billion in 2010 for stroke-related medical costs and disabilities.

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (an ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Deprived of oxygen, nerve cells die. If the patient does not get help quickly, the effects of stroke can be devastating and permanent, even when the patient survives.

Mills-Peninsula, the first hospital in San Mateo County to earn accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center, provides expert, immediate stroke care. In hospitals recognized with Primary Stroke Center accreditation, acute-care evaluations and decisions regarding the use of tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), a drug that dissolves blood clots, are reached more rapidly. Once the immediate danger has passed and the patient has transitioned to the next phase of treatment, Mills-Peninsula also provides outstanding physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation therapies that help stroke patients fully recover.

With our upgraded facilities and equipment, Mills-Peninsula will be capable of providing the neuro-interventional radiology, angioplasty treatments and intra-arterial injections of medications necessary to become accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest level of stroke care.

The new Mills-Peninsula Medical Center stroke care expansion includes:

• New equipment for performing arteriograms
• An additional specialist trained in angiography
• New catheterization equipment
• Dedicated space in the new intensive and transitional care units for stroke patients
• Nurses trained in neurological care

Continued philanthropic support is vital for the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and technology for stroke care. Your generous gift helps stroke patients recover and rebuild their lives. Gifts may be paid over time.