Appointments and Referrals
858-657-8530
Patients are usually referred to us by a doctor but you are welcome to call us for help with this process.
For Referring Physicians
Our Team
Meet our Stroke Specialists
When a stroke happens, every minute matters.
The faster you are diagnosed with a stroke and treated, the better the chances for recovery. That's why our stroke experts are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to provide an immediate response.
Why Choose Us for Stroke Care?
- We're staffed by a multidisciplinary team of stroke experts including neurologists, neurointensivists, neurosurgeons, cardiologists and rehabilitation therapists. We are ready every day around the clock with rapid response times.
- Our physicians are internationally recognized as leaders and experts in the fields of stroke care, prevention and research. Our stroke team has pioneered endovascular approaches using state-of-the-art devices for procedures such as embolectomies, the surgical removal of blood clots.
- Our Neurology and Neurosurgery care is ranked #21 in US News & World Report
- We have a dedicated neurointensive care unit for complex stroke patients.
- We have a complete sub-specialty of neurovascular and endovascular surgeons for the treatment of aneurysms, AVMs and other causes of hemorrhagic stroke.
- Our team can restore blood flow to the brain with leading-edge catheter devices for blockages of major brain arteries in the most severe strokes.
- We use highly advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies to provide tailored therapy for each individual patient.
- We exceed intravenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) administration rates in all eligible patients.
- We conduct ongoing clinical trials to improve and advance stroke treatment and prevention.
Comprehensive Stroke Center
Our stroke center at UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest was one of the first five certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the nation. Our Jacobs Medical Center facility in La Jolla also has the Comprehensive Stroke Center designation, making UC San Diego the only health system in the county with two sites for comprehensive stroke care. Patients with a brain hemorrhage or stroke have better outcomes with fewer complications at a Comprehensive Stroke Center than at other hospitals.
A Comprehensive Stroke Center is a hospital that has specific abilities to
receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. The certification — awarded by The Joint Commission — recognizes UC San Diego's commitment to providing and developing the highest quality stroke care.
We also have earned the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association and are listed on their Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll.
Types of Stroke
There are three types of stroke:
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Ischemic stroke - Ischemic stroke is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. It requires emergency treatment and also close follow-up care to prevent another stroke.
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Hemorrhagic stroke - Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain.
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Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Stroke Warning Signs
- Sudden onset of weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Sudden speech difficulty or confusion
- Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden onset of dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and the ambulance will take you to the nearest emergency room.Stroke Care Locations