Primary Stroke Centers | MedStar Health

Our primary stroke centers work to ensure that every patient that comes through our doors receives the care needed to stop or reverse the debilitating effects of stroke for better long-term patient outcomes. 

Our specially trained clinicians and emergency staff have the experience necessary to deliver medical management of acute stroke patients using the latest in thrombolytics or “clot busting” drugs, emergency room neurological telehealth assessments, as well as advanced neurological imaging such as MRI, CT, CT angiography, and CT perfusion studies. Our emergency stroke team works closely with local EMS providers to receive stroke patients in the emergency department rapidly, because time is of the essence when treating stroke.

Every minute the brain is deprived of blood flow, more brain cells die. The earlier the blood flow is restored, the less likely a stroke patient will have permanent damage.

It’s important that you know how to BE FAST and call 911 if you show any of these signs.

Symptoms of stroke infographic

Knowing The Signs of Stroke

play button

Our locations

Primary stroke centers serve our communities with measurable, quality care when stroke patients need us. At MedStar Health, our primary stroke centers include:

Washington DC Region

Baltimore Region

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS). 

  • Our location

    18101 Prince Philip Dr.
    Olney, MD 20832
    301-774-8882

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS).

  • Our location

    102 Irving St. NW
    Washington, DC, 20010
    202-877-1000

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

One of the busiest stroke centers in the region, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS). Because “Time is Brain,” we have the capabilities in place to provide lifesaving stroke care 24/7.

Our stroke center partners with other MedStar comprehensive stroke centers in the region including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., for specialized neurosurgical and neurointerventional procedures to save more lives of stroke patients.

  • Services offered

    • Stroke Treatment and Care

    • Emergency Medicine

    • Thrombolytics/Clot Busting Medication

    • Neurological Imaging

    • Stroke Prevention

    • Neurology

  • Our providers

    MedStar Southern Maryland’s Primary Stroke Centers experienced team of stroke providers and neurological clinicians apply the best in evidence-based stroke care:

    Sonya DeVaul, MD, Interim Stroke Medical Director

    Tian Wang, MD, Neurologist

    Jemima Ayo-Oluwa Akinsanya, DO, Neurologist

    Amy Swoboda, BSN, RN, PCCN, SCRN, Stroke Program Coordinator

  • Our location

    MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
    Main Hospital
    7503 Surratts Rd.
    Clinton, MD 20735

    Phone: 301-868-8000

    • 24/7 emergency stroke capabilities

    • Onsite free parking at the hospital

  • Community outreach

    Our stroke program is active in the community, providing outreach and education to patients, caregivers, and medical professionals through community events as well as online webinars and an “Ask the Expert” web series. We work closely with the hospital’s population health program to provide information on community resources and services available to assist patients in need.

    • For information on how MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center serves the community through charitable health care, hands-on outreach, and programs and events, click here.
    • For information on social services available near you, click here
    • Other community and patient education stroke resources:

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS).

  • Our location

    MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
    25500 Point Lookout Road
    Leonardtown, MD 20650
    Main: 301-475-8981
    Emergency department: 301-475-6484

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS). 

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar Harbor Hospital

MedStar Harbor Hospital is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS).

Primary Stroke Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is a designated primary stroke center by the Maryland Institute of EMS Systems (MIEMSS).

  • Our location

    201 E. University Pkwy.
    Baltimore, MD 21218
    Main: 410-554-2000
    Emergency:

Are you at risk of stroke?

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in the United States, the primary cause of disability, and affects people of all ages, gender, and race. The effects of stroke can be devastating.  However, specific traits and lifestyle behaviors can increase your risk. Knowing the risk factors and changing your lifestyle can help decrease your risk of having a stroke.

Risk factors include:

  • Heavy Alcohol Use
  • Age: The risk of stroke increases with age. Two-thirds of all strokes occur in people older than 65, but an increasing number of people between the ages of 40 and 50 are having strokes.
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Gender: Men are more likely to have a stroke, but women are twice as likely to die from a stroke.
  • Heart Disease
  • Family History: If an immediate family member had a stroke, your risk increases.
  • History of a Previous Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
  • Physical Inactivity and Obesity
  • Race: African-Americans are 1.4 times more likely to die of stroke than Caucasians.
  • Smoking