Physicians Who Treat Stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you may be experiencing a stroke, it is important to call 9-1-1 right away so that treatment can start as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself or wait for a ride from a friend or family member. Have an ambulance take you to the hospital that is a Stroke Receiving Center right away.

When selecting a team of physicians to treat stoke, it is important to look for specialists who are highly trained in their fields. The comprehensive teams of expert stroke specialists at MemorialCare Stoke Center located in Orange County and Long Beach are devoted to setting a new standard of care for stroke patients.

Why are there so many different stroke specialists?

Stroke can be treated and recovered from effectively with a team of neurologist, neuroradiologist, neurosurgeons, and physiatrists who are trained in leading edge technologies and techniques to treat stroke.

What does each stroke specialist do?

  • Neurologist – A physician who is specialized in the conditions and disease involving the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, both central and peripheral.
  • Neurophysiologist – A physician who is specialized in studying the central and peripheral nervous system through the recording of bioelectrical activity, whether spontaneous or stimulated.
  • Neuroradiologist – A subspecialty of radiology, a physician who is specialized in diagnostics central and peripheral nervous system, spine, and head and neck using imaging modalities and scans.
  • Neurosurgeon – A subspecialty of neurology and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system.
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) or Physiatrist – A physician who is specialized in improving and restoring functional ability and quality of life.
  • Vascular Neurologist – A subspecialty of neurology, a physician who is specialized in cerebrovascular disease and vascular diseases of the central nervous system. Vascular neurologists have expertise in the diagnosis and management of stroke and brain imaging.

In addition to stroke specialists, other medical professionals may be involved in your stroke treatment and recovery, including:

  • Physical Therapist (PT) – A physical therapist establishes a plan to improve functional mobility skills and teaches exercises designed to strength daily large motion actives.
  • Occupational Therapist (OT) – The occupational therapist establishes a plan to improve the performance of daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. The occupational therapist may demonstrate how to use special equipment used in the home including shower/tub benches, grab bars and raised toilet seats.
  • Speech and Language Therapist (ST) – A speech and language therapist establishes an improvement plan and teaches exercises designed to strength communication, cognitive and linguistic skills, hearing and swallowing abilities.

How to find a stroke specialist

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you may be experiencing a stroke, it is important to call 9-1-1 right away so that treatment can start as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself or wait for a ride from a friend or family member. Have an ambulance take you to the hospital that is a Stroke Receiving Center right away.

Neurologist, neurophysiologist, neuroradiologist, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, and vascular neurologist can be searched in our Find a Doctor physician’s directory.