Stroke Care Centers at Covenant Health

Life-saving treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.

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The Only Stroke Hospital Network in East Tennessee

When you need it most, elite stroke care is only minutes away. As the region’s only stroke hospital network, all Covenant Health hospitals have Joint Commission accreditations in stroke care. Covenant Health offers a dedicated neurocritical care unit with advanced resources for neurodiagnosis and acute stroke treatment. Our certified vascular neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and other specialists are at the forefront of clinical research into the most effective procedures for rapid care and long-term recovery. 

The BEFAST list of stroke symptoms includes balance, eyes, face, arms, speech and time.

Stroke Symptoms and Diagnosis

Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. While sudden weakness, facial drooping, and slurred speech are common symptoms across all types of strokes, an accurate diagnosis is the first step in potentially lifesaving treatment.

Covenant Health’s stroke centers use advanced medical technology to examine circulation through the carotid arteries — the major blood vessels supplying oxygen to your brain. A combination of ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs help our specialists pinpoint what parts of the brain have been affected by the stroke so we can precisely determine the stroke’s type and severity.

Stroke Treatment Options

Making treatment decisions can feel overwhelming. With Covenant Health, you’ll have a support team with you every step of the way. Our promise is to work with you and your loved ones to create the best treatment plan.

Stroke treatment is a combination of emergency medical intervention and long-term physical rehabilitation. From our comprehensive stroke center of excellence at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center to our seven primary stroke centers, and our advanced stroke center located throughout East Tennessee, we make life-saving treatment available when you need it most.

Across the Covenant Health stroke care network, 92% of emergency department patients with stroke symptoms are seen in less than 15 minutes.

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Categories

Locations

Your Recovery Is Our Priority

Strokes are sudden events that can lead to serious, long-term disabilities. That’s why Covenant Health stroke specialists use industry-leading diagnostic tools and the most advanced comprehensive treatment protocols for timely intervention and personalized rehabilitation. From physical therapy to survivor support groups, our stroke care centers are your first stop on your path to recovery.

 

For those requiring rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive speech and occupational therapy through our Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Centers and at Covenant Health Therapy Centers throughout the region.

A male doctor and his patient examine a brain MRI.
young female physical therapist helping senior male patient lift weight

Your Circle of Care

Diagnostics

With the region’s best available medical imaging and pathology, we identify the type and severity of your stroke.

Treatment

Our comprehensive stroke center uses medication, infusions, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions according to your diagnosis.

Recovery

In addition to follow-up visits, support groups, and our Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Centers,  we’re by your side as you heal after treatment.

Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Services
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“They took fantastic care of my mom. Not only were they knowledgeable and skilled, but they had an attitude of heart. They cared about her . . . and that means a lot.”

Donna Little, daughter of Covenant Health patient

Stroke Treatment

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“I was concerned. My right leg was suffering from paralyisis. My right arm was suffering from paralysis. . . . I wanted to walk again, and I’m walking. Now I’m ready to go on with life!”

Dustin Shrimpsher, Covenant Health patient

Stroke Treatment and Rehabilitation Therapy

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“I have been blessed by the team who took such good care of me. Every person I interacted with, every nurse, doctor, CNA, the technicians, the people who cleaned the rooms, everyone was just excellent. They all contributed to my recovery!”

Karen Baker, Covenant Health patient

Stroke Recovery

Need Help Recovering?

Covenant Health provides world-class inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for those recovering from stroke. To speak to a Covenant Health Stroke Specialist, call 865-541-4500 or enter your contact information to receive a callback.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We are committed to patient education and transparency in our care. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact us.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blocked or broken blood vessel interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain. Without circulation, brain cells die in the immediate area of the stroke, which then creates a chemical chain reaction affecting the surrounding areas of brain tissue. A stroke is a medical emergency that can cause long-term disability or death without prompt treatment.

What types of strokes does Covenant Health treat?

The two primary types of stroke are ischemic (caused by a blockage of blood flow) and hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding). Covenant Health provides emergency care and ongoing rehabilitation options for both types of stroke.

How much does stroke treatment cost?

Health insurance policies commonly cover diagnostic tests, hospital stays, outpatient rehabilitation, and other expenses related to stroke treatment. If you are uninsured or concerned about your ability to pay, please call our financial department at 865-374-3000.

Is financial assistance available for stroke care?

Yes, financial help is available for stroke treatment. Please visit our financial assistance page to learn more.

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

The recovery timeline is different for every patient and depends on a variety of factors including your preexisting health conditions and the severity of the stroke. While mobility and speech impairments commonly improve within a few days or weeks after a stroke, many patients continue to rehabilitate for months or even years.

How do I prevent a stroke?

While strokes can happen to anyone at any age, there are several steps you can take to decrease your risk. Ask your doctor about receiving a stroke assessment. This review of your health and medical history will help you identify steps you may need to take to lower your risk level. Additionally, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly will help you guard against the risk of a stroke.