California Pacific’s Comprehensive Stroke Care Center is now a certified Primary Stroke Center receiving certification from the Joint Commission in December 2006. This certification demonstrates our commitment to excellence in cerebrovascular disease management. What this means for our patients is that we go beyond medicine to make exceptional efforts and follow national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve long-term outcomes for stroke patients.

Time Saved is Brain Saved

David Tong, M.D. Medical Director, Comprehensive Stroke Program notes that, "currently there are almost 300 certified Primary Stroke Centers in the United States and CPMC is currently one of only two certified Primary Stroke Centers in San Francisco." When a suspected stroke patient arrives for emergency services the dedicated Stroke Team is able to evaluate patients within minutes, fast-tracking patients to medical and surgical interventions, saving critical brain function. "Nearly 50% of patients treated for stroke within a three-hour window experience little, and sometimes no, physical or speech deficit," Tong continues.

Stroke Number One Cause of Disability

Each year approximately 700 thousand people experience a new or recurrent stroke, making stroke the number one cause of disability and the number three cause of death in America today. Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident, if identified early, can be medically or surgically treated with great success and many patients who receive early treatment have no residual affects from stroke. Receiving service at a Primary Stroke Center from highly trained specialists greatly increases the chances of full recovery. "Treatments available for stroke today, and the philosophy of stroke treatment, are very different from in the past," states Jeffrey E. Thomas, M.D., Neurosurgical Director and Medical Director of Interventional Neuroradiology. "We are able to perform some of the most innovative and complex surgical techniques available, integrating microsurgical and minimally-invasive endovascular surgery for treating stroke."

Stroke Prevention

As part of our commitment to the community we offer stroke prevention education and screening opportunities, helping persons at risk learn and adapt risk-reducing lifestyle modifications. Educational opportunities to learn to identify the signs and symptoms of stroke help ensure early intervention. We hope to stop as many strokes as possible before they occur.

Could you be at Risk for Stroke?

Talk to your primary care provider to find out if you are at risk for stroke. Some risk factors such as your age and family history can’t be altered, but there are many risk factors you can control.

Take Control of Risk Factors

High blood pressure and high cholesterol – Through medications or lifestyle modification most blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be lowered.

Cigarette smoking — If you smoke, stopnow. Nicotine damages the cardio and cerebrovascular system.

Heart diseases — If you have heart disease talk to your doctor about how you can lower your stroke risk.

Diet high in fat and salt —Enhance foods by replacing salt with herbs and use olive oil instead of butter or margarine.

Inactivity— Get moving. Set up a schedule to ensure that you exercise moderately for 30 minutes each day through walking, bike riding, or at a gym.

Weight— Find your ideal weight from your doctor, than develop a plan to reach this goal.

Contact Us For More Information

Comprehensive Stroke Care Center
415-600-5760
Maps and Directions
CPMC Primary Stroke Center Emergency Services are available at:
Pacific Campus
2333 Buchanan at Sacramento Street
Davies Campus
Castro and Duboce Streets