The Penn State Health Approach to Cerebrovascular Diseases

Cerebrovascular diseases affect the blood vessels in the brain. They result from damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain cells due to a blockage, bleeding or structural problem. Some types of cerebrovascular diseases include stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), brain aneurysm and brain vascular malformations.

Many cerebrovascular diseases are considered medical emergencies. Knowing the symptoms is key to better health outcomes. If you or a loved one has changes in vision, abnormal eye movement, muscle weakness or problems with sensation, call 911 right away.

Expertise in a Full Range of Services

At Penn State Health, our specialists are trained in cerebrovascular diseases and neurocritical care. Our team has the expertise to quickly recognize and treat strokes and the full spectrum of blood vessel conditions affecting the brain. We offer the latest imaging technologies, medicine therapies and minimally invasive procedures to repair or unblock blood vessels.

When you come here, you get complete care from an interdisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and neurorehabilitation providers. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Penn State Health Stroke Center

Penn State Health Stroke Center is a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, which means we meet the highest criteria for stroke patient care. We’re one of only seven health care facilities in Pennsylvania - and the first in central Pennsylvania - to achieve this distinguished status.

Here, you have access to state-of-the-art emergency stroke treatments. These include acute intravenous tPA (clot-busting medication) and acute neuro-endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) procedures. We are also one of the first facilities to use the latest in clot-retrieval technology, the Solitaire FR Device. Trust that you or your loved one will be in the best hands at the Penn State Health Stroke Center.

Stroke Support Group

The monthly stroke support group provides topics of interest for stroke survivors and their caregivers. It’s a place for support and socialization with others on your same journey. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital.

Registration is not required, and there is no fee to attend. For additional information, please contact the Penn State Health Stroke Center at 717-531-7875 or visit the Penn State Health event calendar.

Experts in Care

Meet our doctors, view their profiles and select the one that’s right for you.

Find a doctor near you

Why Choose Penn State Health for Care

Penn State Health treats the full spectrum of cerebrovascular disease. We’re committed to a bold new vision of health care — and to the people, partnerships and progressive technologies that bring this vision to life.

Neurosurgery Expertise

Our team has the experience in the latest minimally invasive and endovascular techniques for cerebrovascular diseases. In fact, we were the first in central Pennsylvania to perform aneurysm coiling.

We are also committed to advancing neurosurgery to improve patient safety and outcomes. We actively research and develop surgical devices, and our doctors routinely train at other hospitals. This helps more patients gain access to the latest technology.

Regional and National

As a premier academic medical center in the northeast, we have been honored with national and regional rankings for stroke quality, patient safety and physician and nursing excellence.

State-of-the-Art Imaging and Technology

We use the latest in brain and vascular imaging techniques, helping our team provide the most accurate care possible. And our multi-specialty care means each patient gets personalized evaluation and treatment planning.

The angiography suites and operating rooms at Penn State Health are outfitted with the latest technology. With advanced microscope and exoscope capability, our neurosurgeons are better able to see tiny blood vessels and perform precise procedures for better outcomes.

Team-Based Care

Your care team includes a whole team committed to your recovery. Neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-radiologists and neurorehabilitation specialists work closely with you and your family for the best possible outcomes.

Convenient Locations

Find the care your family needs, close to home, at one of our many locations throughout central Pennsylvania.

Find a location near you