Comprehensive Stroke Center

An internationally recognized leader in stroke research, we are spearheading and participating in numerous clinical trials to advance promising interventions for stroke prevention, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation for patients with or at risk of a stroke across all stages of life. 

Montefiore Einstein is a founding partner and key member of the New York City Collaborative Regional Coordinating Center (NYCC-RCC), the largest National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded multi-institutional consortium dedicated to stroke prevention, treatment, education and rehabilitation efforts to reduce the burden of stroke on children and adults throughout the country. Distinguished as an inaugural NIH StrokeNet Regional Coordinating Center since the inception of this highly competitive NIH initiative (StrokeNet) in 2013, we are among an elite group of only 27 centers in the nation to be awarded a five-year grant funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). We also continue to develop interdisciplinary endovascular platforms, new devices and intersectional strategies for conducting ultra-rapid clinical trials.

A collaborative effort between the NIH and Montefiore Einstein, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York University School of Medicine and other affiliated institutions and partner sites, our Regional Coordinating Center encompasses all boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Upstate New York, as well as Nashville, TN, and we continue to expand our network, leadership, and influence. We also continue to develop interdisciplinary endovascular platforms, new devices and intersectional strategies for conducting ultra-rapid clinical trials. We prioritize and lead education, advancing programs and training for the next generation of multidisciplinary leaders in stroke care.

Though stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the nation, it is one of the few diseases that can be reversed if treated early enough. We provide rapid access to care for acute stroke, including the administration of thrombolytic treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), or “clot buster”, for acute ischemic stroke and advanced endovascular procedures.

Advances in imaging technology allow us to pinpoint the location of a blockage in the brain and perform a thrombectomy—a procedure in which we mechanically remove the clot to restore blood flow. By performing mechanical thrombectomies, we are able to treat well beyond the traditional 4.5-hour time limit, with some patients able to be treated up to 24 hours after the stroke. This endovascular procedure can begin to reverse disability immediately, ultimately allowing patients to walk and speak again and regain their quality of life. Since the time thrombectomy became the standard of care for acute stroke, Montefiore Einstein has grown to become one of the leading thrombectomy centers in the country.

Care starts in the emergency department and continues after the patient leaves the hospital. Our inpatient team of stroke care experts, including doctors, nurses, rehabilitation specialists and social workers, seeks to identify each patient’s stroke risk factors, maximize patient safety and ensure a smooth transition to outpatient rehabilitation and stroke prevention. Our patients receive the highest quality physical therapy and rehabilitation care at Montefiore Einstein’s Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, which is ranked in the top one percent of all hospitals in the nation for rehabilitation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, we are recipients of the highest standard for rehabilitation medicine, a three-year designation granted by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Montefiore Einstein also offers a support group for stroke patients and their families. Working hand-in-hand with our award-winning Caregiver Support Center, families can learn about the recovery process for stroke patients.

More information about Restorative Neurology.

Providing care for someone with a stroke is challenging. Family may suddenly become the patient’s voice and chief advocate, which can be a heavy burden.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center has an ongoing Stroke Support Group for patients and loved ones affected by brain injury, arteriovenous malformations and hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes. The group meets monthly to discuss a variety of topics.

To get information on how to attend, call Randi Kaplan or Lynette Olmo at 718-920-8080. You may also email Randi at rkaplan@montefiore.org or Lynette at lyolmo@montefiore.org.

A stroke is often referred to as a “brain attack.” It is a sudden interruption of continuous blood flow to the brain and is considered a medical emergency. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or narrowed, or when a blood vessel bursts and spills blood into the brain. Just like a heart attack, a stroke requires immediate medical attention.

Some brain cells die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients needed to function. Other brain cells die because they are damaged by sudden bleeding in or around the brain. Some brain cells die quickly, but many linger in a compromised or weakened state for several hours. Stroke causes permanent brain damage over minutes to hours.

With stroke, “time is brain,” meaning that the sooner treatment begins, the better. Knowing the signs of stroke and calling 911 immediately can help save a relative, neighbor or friend. With timely treatment it is possible to save these cells and greatly reduce and reverse the damage.