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Stroke

What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can't work properly.

Brain damage can begin within minutes. That's why it's so important to know the symptoms of stroke and to act fast. Quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the chance of a full recovery.

Stroke Care at St. Luke’s
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.

Learn more about Stroke

Learn more at full Stroke Health Topic page

Highlights & Resources

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?

  • arms

    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.

Experience and Expertise are Critical When Every Second Counts

Experience and Expertise are Critical When Every Second Counts

Meet Our Stroke Care Team

Stroke care at St. Luke's is a team effort, managed by the region's leading experts in critical stroke care. From risk assessment and prevention to emergency/acute care, surgery, and recovery, our specially trained physicians, nurses, and therapists are committed to your best possible outcome.

St. Luke's offers the state's largest stroke program with nine emergency departments and an integrated care system to support you and your family every step of the way.

Learn more about our stroke specialists

View Patient Outcomes Data

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 Emergency System - Trauma, Stroke, STEMI

    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

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.

Related Support

Support Groups

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Articles & Resources

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Become an Air St. Luke’s Member

Become an Air St. Luke’s Member

Invest in Your Family’s Safety and Security

Doctors and families throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada trust Air St. Luke’s to carry their precious cargo in a medical emergency. Our highly trained flight teams are dedicated to providing specialized emergency care and medical transport when you need it most, from heart attacks and stroke to pediatric trauma and back country accidents.


Learn more about Air St. Luke's

Related Conditions

  • Transient Ischemic Attack

    When blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced for a short time, often by a blood clot.

  • Brain Aneurysm

    Brain Aneurysm

    A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges or balloons outward.

  • Brain Hemorrhage

    Brain bleeds or hemorrhages are a kind of stroke cause by burst arteries in the brain.

Support the Patients and Families at St. Luke's Neurosciences

Support the Patients and Families at St. Lukes 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.


Make a Donation to St. Luke's Neurosciences

Ways to Give

Your Partner in Health.

People are at the heart of great health care. That's why we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the communities we serve. 


Together with our community partners and patients, we're building a stronger, healthier future for all Idahoans.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222