BHS Stroke Center

Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Strokes

Strokes are a serious health issue that could impact a victim for their entire life. The medical realm has made great strides in the research of stroke treatment in recent years, and Butler Health System has been a proud part of that effort. Our center is staffed with highly experienced physicians that assist in the prevention and treatment of strokes.

For the work we've done with stroke patients, we have received the Gold Plus Performance Award for Stroke from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. This quality award recognizes consistent achievement in using evidenced based guidelines to provide the highest standards of quality stroke patient care.

Click here to learn more about what strokes are and how to prevent/treat them.

Our Stroke Treatment and Services

Our multidisciplinary team of health care professionals use evidenced-based care to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for stroke.

• Emergency Stroke Services - The BMH Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Emergency Department staff are trained to identify and treat stroke.
• Endovascular and Neurosurgical Services - Procedures involving the brain and blood vessels
• Carotid Stenosis Treatment - For patients with narrowing of the carotid artery, a major artery in the neck that leads to the brain, surgical or interventional treatment is available.
  • Carotid Endarterectomy is a surgical technique to remove fatty deposits from the carotid artery.
  • Carotid Stenting is an interventional procedure that can be performed on eligible patients that opens up the carotid artery.
• Rehabilitation - Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy provide inpatient rehabilitation services.
• Diagnostic Testing - Computed tomography (CT) and laboratory testing are available (for diagnosis of stroke) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supportive diagnostic studies include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiogram, carotid doppler studies and angiography.
• Social Services - Case managers and social work services are available to assist with discharge planning needs.
• HFAP Primary Stroke Certification - HFAP is a nationally recognized not-for-profit accreditation organization with deeming authority from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This designation recognizes the hospital’s commitment to excellence in the care, stabilization and treatment of stroke patients.
• Gold Plus and Target: Stroke Honor Roll - We’re proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for our active involvement in Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke, and Target: Stroke^SM, a program designed to help hospitals make sure patients get the benefits of the latest scientific guidelines-based treatment.
• PA Department of Health Stroke Center Designation - The Stroke Center designation from the PA DOH promotes a culture of excellence at the hospital and gives the community we serve confidence in the quality of stroke care received at our facility.

​If you notice the early signs of a stroke, seem medical attention immediately. Click here to learn more about the warning signs.

Listen to a recent radio show featuring Melisse Maser, RN, discussing Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award recognition by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

The Stroke Team

Our stroke center team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, emergency medicine, rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, social workers, case managers, and a dedicated clinical nursing staff.

Our team of experts include physicians who are board certified in:

• Emergency Medicine
• Neurology
• Vascular Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Interventional Neuro-Radiology
• Internal Medicine
• Interventional Radiology
• Pathology
• Cardiothoracic Surgery

Strokes can result in numerous debilitating side-effects, which you can read about here.

Ending Strokes

Strokes are one of the top five leading causes of death in the United States. Treatment for strokes is moving along as fast as it can, but in the meantime we can do our part to end stroke by staying informed on the warning signs and preventing it before it starts.

Visit this page for information on how you can help to end strokes.

Stroke Survivors

Support is available for stroke survivors. For more information on resources near you, visit:

National Stroke Association

American Stroke Association