Stroke Care Center

Due to major advancements in treatment technology, stroke survivors now have a better chance at recovery than ever before. Our program offers a specialized team of professionals who provide expert care throughout treatment, recovery and rehabilitation.

Following a stroke, our main objective is to help each of our patients return to the highest quality of life - as quickly as possible.

Primary Stroke Center Certification

St. Joseph's Hospital is proud to be the first Primary Stroke Center in St. Paul, Minnesota to be honored with the Gold Seal of Approval for stroke care by The Joint Commission.

Rehabilitation after stroke

After a stroke, it is important for you to build strength and confidence so that you can continue your lifestyle and daily activities. Your doctor will work with rehabilitation specialists to provide a treatment program specifically suited for you.

Rehabilitation (rehab) begins in the hospital soon after a stroke. For some, it continues at home. Others require more intense rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation specialists include physical, occupational and speech therapists who will assist in:

• Self-care such as feeding, grooming, bathing and dressing
• Mobility such as transferring or walking
• Communication in speech or language
• Cognitive skills such as memory or problem solving
• Socialization skills including personal interactions
   

Vascular Neurology Clinic

The Vascular Neurology Clinic is an outpatient clinic of the National Brain Aneurysm Center. The clinic is led by  Sandy Hanson, MD, a stroke neurologist.

At the Vascular Neurology Clinic, Dr. Hanson cares for patients with neurological problems relating to the blood vessels in and near the brain.

These include:

• Stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic)
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Atherosclerosis of vessels inside and outside the cranium (extracranial and intracranial vessels)
• Aneurysms
• Vascular malformations
• Other vasculopathies affecting the circulation of the nervous system

The Vascular Neurology Clinic is located at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. The clinic is located on the third floor of the hospital, in the dePaul Tower.
Get directions to St. Joseph’s.

In addition to Dr. Hanson, clinic staff includes Amy Castle, RN, Stroke Neuro Nurse Coordinator. Amy brings vascular and research expertise.

Referring patients

Dr. Hanson has received fellowship training in cerebrovascular disease and can be
consulted for:

• Acute diagnosis and treatment during a stroke code
• In-hospital medical management
• Diagnostic evaluation
• Preventive strategies for vascular disease.

To contact the Vascular Neurology Clinic, call 651-232-3880.