Stroke Center Certification

Participation in the Stroke Matrix is contingent upon applying for and then achieving certification by one of the following national entities:

Levels of Stroke Certification

Primary Stroke Center (PSC)

  • PSCs have trained doctors and staff who can quickly diagnose and treat most strokes, including giving medications to break up blood clots.
  • These hospitals are also equipped to perform brain imaging, like CT scans or MRIs, to see what kind of stroke the patient has.

Thrombectomy Capable  Stroke (TCS) or

Primary + Center

  • TCS' have the same capability as a PSC but also perform a procedure called thrombectomy, which removes blood clots from the brain.
  • This procedure is crucial for patients who have a severe type of stroke called an ischemic stroke, caused by a clot blocking blood flow.

Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC)

  • CSC's advanced equipment and specialized teams to treat the most severe stroke cases.
  • Handle complex treatments, such as brain surgery or emergency procedures to remove blood clots.
  • Offer programs for long-term stroke recovery and often participate in research to improve stroke care.