Stroke
Treat stroke as quickly as possible to have the best chance for survival and recovery.
Expert Care, Every Step of the Way
Our mission is to help you prevent stroke and recognize stroke in yourself and others when it occurs. In the event of a stroke, the specially trained physicians and nurses at St. Luke’s work closely with emergency medical personnel to provide the most advanced medical treatment available. We offer thrombolytic therapy, a clot-busting medication used to treat some ischemic strokes, as well as around-the-clock access to advanced diagnostic and neurointervention services. And, to support recovery, we offer complete stroke rehabilitation services including physiatry care and physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
Palliative medicine experts are also available to support care planning and help optimize quality of life for you and your family. We'll help you navigate the various aspects of recovery, identify priorities, and collaborate with the rest of the care team to drive toward what matters most to you.
Remember: "BE FAST" in Case of Stroke - Call 911!
B = Balance
Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance? Do they lean to one side or stagger when walking?
E = Eyes
Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes? Do they have double vision that doesn't go away with blinking their eyes?
F = Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does their speech sound slurred or strange?
T = Time
Stroke can be very treatable if care is immediate. For each minute a stroke goes untreated, about 1.9 million neurons are lost—seriously affecting speech, memory, movement, and more.
"BE FAST"
If you observe any of these signs in yourself or others, call 911!
Do NOT drive yourself to the hospital.
Stroke Prevention Starts with Awareness
Stroke Risk Factors and Prevention
Everyone should do what they can to reduce stroke risk, especially those with risk factors beyond their control. It’s important that you learn about the lifestyle and medical changes you can make to help prevent a stroke.
Stroke Signs and Symptoms
Immediate medical care is crucial to surviving and recovering from stroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms is the first step to making sure you get help right away.
Stroke Care Team
Experience and Expertise
Stroke care at St. Luke’s is led by the region’s top experts, offering comprehensive support from prevention and emergency treatment to surgery and recovery. As home to Idaho’s largest stroke program—with nine emergency departments and an integrated care system—our specially trained physicians, nurses, and therapists work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family.
National and State Accreditation
Joint Commission
The Joint Commission has recognized St. Luke's Boise, Meridian and Magic Valley as Advanced Primary Stroke Centers of Excellence.
Idaho Time Sensitive Emergencies
The Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Program has designated St. Luke's Boise, as a Level I Stroke Center, and St. Luke's Meridian and Magic Valley as Level II Stroke Centers.
What to Expect After a Stroke
After a stroke, you may experience rapid mood changes. You may cry or laugh in situations that may not seem appropriate or match your current mood. You may also experience frustration, anxiety, anger, or sadness without explanation.
Clinical depression is a treatable illness that affects many stroke survivors. Symptoms include significant lack of energy and/or motivation, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping, and difficulty finding enjoyment in anything. Talking about the effects of stroke can validate your feelings and help you cope with your emotions.
Ask your provider about support groups, whether you're a stroke survivor or someone who loves and cares for a stroke survivor. Talk to your doctor about an evaluation for clinical depression if symptoms continue.
Support Groups
Stroke Walking Group: Meridian
Help yourself adjust back to life after a stroke by attending this supportive and informational group for stroke patients and their families.
Life after Stroke Support Group: Twin Falls
Help yourself adjust back to life after a stroke by attending this supportive and informational group for stroke patients and their families.
Life after Stroke Support Group: Meridian
Achieve your best quality of life after stroke with medical advice, community resources, and connecting with others.
Related Conditions
Transient Ischemic Attack
Brain Aneurysm
Brain Hemorrhage
Articles & Resources
Patient StoriesSt. Luke’s surgery, teams’ care help college freshman look to future after rare stroke
Murtaugh teen, Yandell Gil, survives a rare stroke with the help of St. Luke's Magic Valley and surgery by Dr. Eric Smith.
Community Health & EngagementTwin Falls Chamber of Commerce gets up close stroke training from St. Luke's team
Recognizing the signs of a stroke is an important lesson for any audience, but a Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce leadership group was recently treated to an eye-opening demonstration of life-saving skills at St. Luke’s Magic Valley.
Air St. Luke's Membership
Coverage When Every Second Counts
Emergency medical transport can be expensive. Air St. Luke’s membership helps cover the portion of the bill that insurance doesn’t.
Membership starts at $65 per year and is available to anyone in our service area. It applies to medically necessary air transport by Air St. Luke’s.
Coverage for Air St. Luke’s members goes beyond our local region through our partners in the Association of Air Medical Membership Programs (AAMMP).
Support the Patients and Families at St. Luke's Neurosciences
You Can Make a Difference
You can make a real difference in the lives of patients and families facing medical challenges. We hope you’ll help us provide the exceptional healthcare and support they deserve. We encourage you to get involved by making a financial gift, sponsoring or attending events, or volunteering your time.