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Why choose Geisinger for stroke care?

When a stroke happens, every minute matters. Rapid diagnosis and treatment help protect brain function and improve recovery.

Our stroke teams work closely with community emergency providers to deliver treatment as quickly as possible. Designated Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers provide 24/7 access to stroke neurologists and neuroendovascular specialists.

Advanced technology supports faster diagnosis and treatment — tools like AI-assisted imaging help identify certain types of stroke and alert care teams in real time.

Care continues beyond the hospital. Rehabilitation specialists, therapists and support teams coordinate follow-up care to help you recover and regain function — and that care is available close to home, in northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

Treatments and services we offer

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FAQs

What causes a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when bleeding occurs in the brain. This blockage or bleeding cuts off the oxygen the brain needs to function. Without oxygen, brain cells can begin to die within minutes.

What are the different types of stroke?

The 2 main types are:

  • Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blockage, often from a blood clot
  • Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain, such as from a ruptured aneurysm

What are the signs of a stroke?

Stroke symptoms often come on suddenly. Use BE FAST to recognize the warning signs:

  • B — Balance: Does the person show a sudden loss of balance?
  • E — Eyes: Do they have sudden vision trouble like blurred, double or loss of vision?
  • F — Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
  • A — Arm (or leg) weakness: Is one arm or leg weak or numb?
  • S — Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
  • T — Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Is a stroke an emergency?

Yes. Stroke is a medical emergency. Getting care quickly can reduce the risk of long-term damage or death.

Which Geisinger hospitals are Comprehensive Stroke Centers?

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre hold Comprehensive Stroke Center designation from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. This is the highest level of stroke center recognition, indicating the ability to treat the most complex stroke cases with advanced technology and around-the-clock specialist care.

Which Geisinger hospitals are Primary Stroke Centers?

Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital are designated Primary Stroke Centers. These hospitals meet rigorous standards for stroke care, with trained teams and protocols to diagnose and treat strokes quickly.

Stroke care at Geisinger

From emergency treatment to long-term recovery, stroke specialists coordinate your care at every stage. We offer:

  • 24/7 emergency care: Stroke teams are available to respond quickly when symptoms begin — day or night.
  • Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Centers: Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center hold Comprehensive Stroke Center designation from the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital are designated Primary Stroke Centers.
  • Advanced treatment options: Procedures such as thrombectomy and clot-dissolving medications help restore blood flow to the brain quickly.
  • Emergency transport when needed: Geisinger Life Flight® ground and air teams provide rapid transport to the appropriate facility for critical care.
  • Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center certification
  • Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center certification