Duke Stroke Center is consistently recognized as one of the top centers for stroke care. Here are four reasons why we are one of the world's best.

Nationally Recognized Stroke Center

The Duke Stroke Center is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, a designation that assures patients that we have the technology and staff necessary to deliver the highest quality stroke care available.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association has recognized the Duke Stroke Center with the Get with the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Duke University Hospital is the only hospital in North Carolina ranked in the top 20 for Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S.News & World Report in 2010.

In addition, Duke University is also one of only three designated Stroke Prevention Research Centers by American Stroke Association-Bugher Foundation.

Expert Physicians

Duke physicians have been involved in major clinical trials focused on stroke prevention, emergency treatment, and recovery since 1966.

Our research aimed at optimizing the organization and delivery of stroke-related care has led to treatment protocols not just followed at Duke but around the country.

With five board-certified vascular neurologists, Duke leverages specialized knowledge, paired with multidisciplinary teams, to maximize each patient’s recovery.

View a list of current stroke-related clinical trials on the Duke Division of Neurology Web site

Multidisciplinary Team

The Duke Stroke Center combines an expert understanding of stroke with the most sophisticated technology available to provide stroke patients the best possible care.

Our specialized, multidisciplinary team coordinates the comprehensive care of every stroke patient who comes to Duke -- from the initial contact in the Emergency Department through hospital care and the transition home or, if necessary, to a rehabilitation facility.

Inpatients are treated at Duke University Hospital, while outpatients are served at a number of locations throughout the area.

Emergency Evaluation and Integrated Care

Duke University Hospital has championed the use of stroke team for rapid assessment and treatment.

Total integration with Duke’s emergency department means that when patients arrive with stroke symptoms, the Acute Stroke Response Team is activated within minutes -- so evaluation can be done quickly and appropriate treatment started as soon as possible.

In addition, the Duke Stroke Center integrates the care of stroke patients through any necessary inpatient and rehabilitation services, providing a complete continuum of high-level care.