When it comes to stroke care, you have options – and your choice matters. As Nebraska’s only Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, Nebraska Medicine has been setting the gold standard in stroke care for over two decades, saving lives and improving outcomes.

24/7 specialized care

“We’re the only ones who have continuous availability of cerebrovascular neurosurgeons, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says neurosurgeon William Thorell, MD. The center’s state-of-the-art 20-bed Neurosciences ICU –the first and only of its kind in Nebraska – is staffed round the clock by board-certified neurointensivists and specialized health care professionals who provide continuous care.

According to Dr. Thorell, this specialized expertise significantly impacts patient outcomes: “It shortens their hospital stay and improves their care because of the accuracy of the diagnoses. Having someone who understands both neurologic illness and critical care is a big advantage.”

Leading-edge technology and expertise

The center stays at the forefront of technological advancement, participating in leading-edge clinical trials, implementing the latest treatments and incorporating new AI technology as it evolves. “There are advances in stroke treatment all the time,” Dr. Thorell says. “Every year there seems to be a new thing, maybe even as much as every six months, there’s another improvement.”

The team of fellowship-trained vascular neurosurgeons offers expertise in both traditional and innovative treatments. “We can make decisions based on what’s best for the patient, not just what we’re capable of doing,” Dr. Thorell says.

Proven excellence in patient care

Even if choosing a comprehensive stroke center means traveling a bit longer initially, Dr. Thorell stresses the long-term benefits: “You might have to drive a little bit further on the front end, but you’ll see time in the back end.” This aligns with American Heart and American Stroke Association guidelines, which recommend choosing a comprehensive stroke center when possible, particularly for complex cases. As Nebraska’s first stroke center, established in 2003, Nebraska Medicine continues to push boundaries in stroke care. The center handles more than 800 stroke patients annually, offering:

• Clot-busting medication for acute ischemic stroke.

• Mechanical thrombectomy with AI assistance.

• Innovative approaches for hemorrhage treatment.

• Access to pioneering clinical trials.