Stroke/Cerebrovascular

The Stroke and Cerebrovascular Program in the Neurosciences Institute at (CDH) is the largest, most comprehensive stroke center in Chicago's western suburbs. The specialists treat numerous ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage patients every year.

Distinguished Regional Program

The stroke specialists on the medical staff at CDH are respected within and beyond the western suburbs of Chicago. The stroke care at CDH has earned the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification.

Recognize the Warning Signs of a Stroke

When a person has a stroke, blood fails to reach brain cells as a result of a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. Emergency care can save a patient from long-term damage and death. Act F.A.S.T. to increase recognition and response to stroke symptoms.

F=FACE	Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A=ARM	Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S=SPEECH	Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T=TIME	If you observe any of these signs, it's time to call 9-1-1.

	Early Signs for Detecting Stroke Symptoms
	Harish Shownkeen, MD, Neuroradiologist, emphasizes the importance of education with recognizing stroke symptoms especially since there is no onset of pain. Remember to act F.A.S.T.

Comprehensive Treatments for Stroke Patients

The stroke team CDH is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advanced treatments and techniques are available for acute and long-term stroke care including:

IV t-PA clot-dissolving medication
Intra-cranial angioplasty and stenting
Secondary prevention using carotid and vertebral artery angioplasty and stenting
Tertiary prevention using intra-arterial thrombolyis
Balloon angioplasty for proximal vasospasm (sudden constriction of blood a vessel)
Drug infusion for distal vasospasm
Advanced clinical trials that can extend the treatment window for stroke patients from onset in some instances) and offer viable alternatives for high-risk patients.

	Stroke Treatment Options at Cadence Health
	Harish Shownkeen, MD, Neuroradiologist, explains why Cadence Health differentiates itself from other hospitals with its comprehensive stroke center providing advanced treatment options and extended care to patients.

Clinical Trials, Advanced Techniques Offer Hope for Stroke Patients

Through participation in national clinical trials that investigate the newest treatments for stroke patients, specialists on the medical staff at CDH have successfully extended the typical three-hour stroke window to six, eight and sometimes ten hours for some patients, offering new hope to high-risk patients.

	Technological Advancements in Stroke Treatment at Cadence Health
	Harish Shownkeen, MD, Neuroradiologist, discusses the rapid evolution of stroke care, especially in the past 5 years, and our strategic plan for implementing the most advanced treatment.

Learn more about stroke research and clinical trials at CDH.

The Stroke/Cerebrovascular Team

The stroke specialists on the medical staff at CDH are dedicated to providing excellent care for every patient. All of the physicians and surgeons are board certified or board eligible. The multidisciplinary team includes:

Neurologists
Neurosurgeons
Interventional neuroradiologists
Emergency room physicians
Nurses with certification in neuroscience nursing and advanced life support
Nurses with National Institutes of Health Stroke Score certification
Registered EEG/EPT and CNIM technologists

How to Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Neurosciences Institute at CDH at 630-933-4056.