Stroke Quality Measures

Around-the-clock brain imaging Around-the-clock interpretation Disease management program Use of tPA Neurologists Physician board certification Education programs Inpatient mortality Average Length of stay Stroke center Aspirin administration Antithrombotic medication Vascular neurologist

Quality Measures Home

Stroke Quality Measures

Around-the-clock brain imaging availability for stroke patients

According to the American Stroke Association's "Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Ischemic Stroke," a brain imaging study is mandatory in order to distinguish ischemic stroke from hemorrhagic stroke or from other brain conditions that may mimic stroke. "Brain imaging is required to guide acute intervention. For most cases and at most institutions, computerized tomography (CT) remains the most important brain imaging test."

According to the guidelines, "because time is of the essence in acute stroke care, institutions should have these diagnostic studies available on a 24-h/day and 7-d/week basis" (Stroke, April 2003: 34(4); 1056-1083).

St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center has 24-h/day 7-d/week radiology services available for brain imaging, including computerized tomography (CT), MRI and angiography.