Center for Neurovascular Disorders

IU Health Methodist Hospital is the First Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Indiana. The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association established the advanced certification of Comprehensive Stroke Centers to recognize hospitals that achieve higher standards and meet specific criteria for resources, staff, and training that are essential to treat the most complex stroke cases. The Comprehensive Stroke Center must have specific individuals in place to administer the program

Treatment offered:

• 80% of acute stroke patients have diagnostic brain image completed within 45 minutes of it being ordered. Imaging is available on site 24/7.
• Stroke performance is measured and reviewed to evaluate processes and outcomes and to improve quality of care.
• Provide guidelines to Emergency Medical Services that address transferring stroke patients to the comprehensive stroke center
• Has dedicated neuro-intensive care unit (ICU) beds for complex stroke patients, which includes physician and nursing staff with expertise and experience on site to provide neuro-critical care 24/7.

The stroke specialists at IU School of Medicine and IU Health can identify and treat patients who may still benefit from IV thrombolysis (i.e., “clot busting medications”) even when they are outside of the traditional eligibility window (4.5 hours from last known well). Using advanced imaging techniques, we can treat some patients whose symptoms have been going on for up to 24 hours, or who woke up from sleep with stroke symptoms. Additionally, there are two recent trials that will expand the treatment eligibility even further. In addition, recent clinical trials have shown that clot-retrieval (mechanical thrombectomy) can be helpful for patients even when their stroke has already caused significant injury to the brain. As a result, we now offer this treatment to patients who previously would not have been eligible, giving them the best opportunity to recover and return to the things and activities that they love.

Patients at IU Health will soon be able to access a new rehabilitation option called paired vagus nerve stimulation. This technology pairs vagus nerve stimulation (through a small implanted device) with traditional occupational therapy techniques to enhance the recovery of upper extremity motor function. The cerebrovascular specialists at IU Health work closely with the rehabilitation experts at The Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana. Together we bring proven research directly to the bedside.

IU Health operates the only mobile stroke treatment unit in the state of Indiana. This state-of-the-art ambulance is equipped to provide life-saving treatment to ischemic stroke patients before they reach the hospital. When time matters, we can deliver treatments faster using the mobile stroke unit, which maximizes the benefit of the treatment and increases the likelihood that patients will do well.

Statewide telestroke program coming soon!  For inquiries, contact Ann Jones, MD, director of telestroke.

The section of Neuroendovascular Surgery will be the premier destination for neuroendovascular procedures and a leader in neuroendovascular education and advancement of the field. The Neuroendovascular Surgery program encompasses multiple departments and training backgrounds, and each department/training background brings a unique set of resources and skills to the section.

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship in the Department of Neurology at IU School of Medicine is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program that provides advanced training in the contemporary care of all vascular neurological conditions, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Through a combination of clinical, didactic and research experiences, the fellowship program trains outstanding vascular neurologists who bring excellence, integrity, professionalism and evidence-based practice to patients in the communities they serve.

The Department of Neurological Surgery at IU School of Medicine offers a Neuroendovascular Fellowship and Cerebrovascular Fellowship. The two-year multidisciplinary neuroendovascular fellowship accepts trainees from neurosurgery, neurology and neuroradiology. The one-year cerebrovascular fellowship is intended for only neurosurgery trainees. Fellows for either program learn from department faculty vascular neurosurgeons and endovascular neuroradiologists who treat patients suffering from aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and other cerebrovascular diseases. Training may be customized to include surgical, endovascular or a combined experience.

A research study to evaluate study medication Milvexian after a stroke, to try to prevent future strokes. Participants will be enrolled while admitted to the hospital for a stroke. After leaving the hospital, participants will take the study medication or placebo orally, daily at home. Participants will then return to the IU Health Neuroscience Center for safety evaluation and follow-up every three months for approximately two and a half years.

A research study to evaluate a thrombectomy procedure (removal of a clot in a blood vessel in the brain) for those with a stroke scale score of less than six. Participants for this research are enrolled in the hospital setting and may receive a procedure to remove a clot in the brain during an active stroke. Participants will then have follow-up appointments at 30 days and 90 days for safety evaluation.

A research study to follow participants with recent stroke over four years for cognitive and functional changes. Participants are consented within six weeks after a stroke and complete a one time blood draw with cognitive testing every six months. Many assessments are completed over the phone. Any onsite assessment will be completed at the IU Health Neuroscience Center at no cost to you. No medication is associated with this research study.