MyChart
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 at full Stroke Health Topic page
Highlights & Resources
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Video
Immediate Treatment Is Essential with Stroke
Treat a stroke as quickly as possible to have the best chance for survival and recovery.
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Article
Stroke: Know the Signs and BE FAST
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Article
Stroke: Understanding the Symptoms
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Article
Stroke Risk Factors and Prevention
Even though some risk factors are beyond your control, there are many ways to reduce your risk of stroke.Read More
Remember: "BE FAST" in Case of Stroke - Call 911!
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B = Balance
Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance? Do they lean to one side or stagger when walking?
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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?
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F = Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
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A = Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
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S = Speech
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does their speech sound slurred or strange?
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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.
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"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
Meet Our Stroke Care Team
National and State Accreditation
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Joint Commission
The Joint Commission has recognized St. Luke's Boise, Meridian and Magic Valley as Advanced Primary Stroke Centers of Excellence.
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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
Related Support
Support Groups
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Life after Stroke Support Group: Meridian
Support GroupsAchieve your best quality of life after stroke with medical advice, community resources, and connecting with others.
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Stroke Walking Group: Meridian
Support GroupsHelp yourself adjust back to life after a stroke by attending this supportive and informational group for stroke patients and their families.
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Life after Stroke Support Group: Twin Falls
Support GroupsHelp yourself adjust back to life after a stroke by attending this supportive and informational group for stroke patients and their families.
Articles & Resources
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Blog Post
Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce gets up close stroke training from St. Luke's team
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Blog Post
'I’m going to walk again': Twin Falls man perseveres in rehab at St. Luke’s after stroke
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Blog Post
St. Luke's team effort, wife's 911 call help save 'totally amazing' climber after stroke
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Article
WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion Device
The insertion of a device to prevent clots forming in the left atrial appendage from entering the bloodstream.
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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.
Related Conditions
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Transient Ischemic Attack
When blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced for a short time, often by a blood clot.
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Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges or balloons outward.
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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
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.