UR Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center

UR Medicine's Comprehensive Stroke Center offers world-class treatment and prevention of stroke, including its creation of the region’s only state-of-the art Mobile Stroke Unit, and dedicated Neuromedicine Intensive Care Unit.

We not only understand the physical disability as a result of stroke, but also the economic and psychosocial burden on our community. For this reason, our program is actively partnering with community agencies to spread the message about Stroke symptoms and prevention.

Our nationally recognized, highly trained stroke and neurocritical care team provide comprehensive care for all types of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases. State of the art neuroimaging capabilities and immediate access to all subspecialists offer patients the most sophisticated medical and surgical treatments necessary for the best outcomes.

For Patients Our Team Mobile Stroke Unit TIA ClinicUR TelestrokePatient StoriesContact Us

What is Stroke/TIA?

A stroke occurs when brain cells die due to disruption of blood flow to the brain, and can be caused by either a blocked (ischemic stroke) or leaky (hemorrhagic stroke) blood vessel in the brain.

Our Team

The UR Medicine stroke team has successfully treated the most challenging cases, and achieved the best outcomes in the most critically ill patients.

Mobile Stroke Unit

UR Medicine is the home of Upstate and Central New York's FIRST Mobile Stroke Unit, which provides specialized, life-saving care to stroke victims before they even get to the hospital.

Rapid Access TIA Clinic

Our goal at UR Medicine’s Rapid Access TIA clinic is to swiftly address ischemic events, while providing patients with a positive outpatient experience.

When You Think It's A Stroke

Remember FAST

Face Is one side drooping?
Arms: Is one arm hard to lift?
Speech: Is speech slurred or confused?
Time: Quick action saves brain cells.

Call 911

If you think it’s a stroke—or even if you’re not sure—call 9-1-1. Don’t go back to bed. Don’t wait. Call immediately.

Trust Your EMT

Depending on where you live and the severity of your symptoms, your EMT may recommend that you go to a nearby hospital or that you be taken directly to Strong Memorial Hospital.

A multidisciplinary team providing the most advanced stroke care.

Tarun Bhalla, MD, PhD

Neurosurgeon

Debra Roberts, MD, PhD

Neurointensivist

Curtis Benesch, MD, MPH

Neurologist

Spotlight: UR Telestroke

The UR Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center is committed to providing advanced and timely stroke care to patients across the Finger Lakes region and other areas of upstate New York. To accomplish this goal, our stroke program utilizes video technology to perform emergency telestroke consultations at a number of hospitals and emergency departments across New York, some as far as 200 miles from Rochester.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our vascular neurologists are ready to interact with patients, families, and medical providers using a real-time video connection, as well as review brain imaging and other data in order to make decisions regarding acute stroke interventions such as intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular therapy. Our neurologists also help initiate timely transfers to Strong Memorial Hospital or other regional hospitals if indicated based on patient factors; alternatively, we will coordinate care with local providers if patients remain at their original site.

Learn More

Remember that Strong is a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

You live in an area where the most advanced stroke care is close by. Strong offers advanced stroke treatments that are not available at most hospitals. By working closely with our affiliated hospitals, we ensure that patients get the stroke care they need in the shortest possible time.

Part of Strong Memorial Hospital

Please Support UR Medicine's Comprehensive Stroke Center

Helping stroke patients recover and regain their lives.

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