World Class Stroke Care in Michigan
April 14, 2026
Trinity Health’s comprehensive stroke program is nationally recognized for excellence in stroke care and our stroke center certifications represent our commitment to you: we have gone the extra mile to have the necessary structure, staff, and procedures to ensure you are getting care at a place known for its skill in treating strokes.
All of our hospitals operate like a wheel, with a hub and spokes. Patients are treated initially in the Emergency Department (ED) at the hospital when they arrive, and we transfer them rapidly, if needed, to the appropriate stroke center.
Trinity Health Michigan Advanced Stroke Certifications:
Certified as Comprehensive Stroke Center, recognizing hospitals that offer the highest level of care for the most complex stroke cases, with extensive research and neurointensive care capabilities:
- Grand Rapids
Certified as Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, recognizing hospitals with added specialized capabilities to perform mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients:
- Ann Arbor
- Oakland
Certified as Primary Stroke Center, recognizing hospitals that provide initial stabilization and medication (IV tPA) for stroke patients:
- Chelsea
- Grand Haven
- Livonia
- Muskegon
Certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, recognizing hospitals or emergency centers with a dedicated stroke-focused program:
- Shelby
Don’t hesitate
“If you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms, call 911 and go to the ED in an ambulance,” said Kasim Qureshi, MD, Trinity Health Medical Group, Vascular Neurology – Grand Rapids and Muskegon. “Arriving by ambulance means the stroke team will be assembled and ready to evaluate and treat you the second you come through the door.”
“Often when people have symptoms of stroke, they think that a little bit of extra time will make things better,” said Dr. Qureshi. “But if you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms you should always get to an ED right away and never hesitate to call 911. The sooner you get there the more chance we have of treating your stroke effectively.”
Acute stroke treatment in the Emergency Department and beyond
“When a person comes to us in the ED with a stroke or stroke-like symptoms, the first thing we assess is whether the patient is a candidate for clot-busting medication called tenecteplase or TNK,” said Muhammad Farooq, MD, medical director, Stroke Center, Trinity Health Grand Rapids.
Patients are typically eligible for this medication if they arrive at the ED no more than four and a half hours after their last known well time, which is the last time the patient was known to be without the signs and symptoms of a stroke. “Now, with advanced technologies, we can sometimes give TNK even 24 hours after someone’s stroke symptoms have started” said Dr. Farooq.
Next, using state-of-the-art equipment, the stroke team obtains computerized tomography (CT) cerebral angiography, which allows them to see the blood vessels in the brain.
“Another test, called CT profusion, can determine if we can help the patients with neuro intervention – specialized catheters, imaging technology, and tools to treat the stroke,” said Dr. Farooq. “If so, we call the neuro intervention team, experts at mechanically removing blood clots causing the stroke using a minimally invasive procedure.”
In rare circumstances, a vascular neurosurgeon may remove a part of the patient’s skull to relieve pressure inside the brain.
Within two to four weeks following discharge from the hospital, the patient should return to our outpatient stroke clinic for continued follow-up care with a neurologist. At that time, additional testing may be performed, and speech, occupational, or physical therapy may be ordered.
Sobering statistics
Statistics concerning strokes in the United States are worth noting:
- Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death.
- Every three minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of stroke.
- The number one risk for stroke is high blood pressure, often resulting from diabetes, atrial fibrillation, or high cholesterol.
- Nearly 25% of people who are treated for stroke have had a previous stroke.
- 87% of strokes are ischemic, when there is a blockage or lack of blood flow in the blood vessels to the brain.
- Stroke reduces mobility in more than half of stroke survivors aged 65 and older.
Nationwide, we need to focus on primary prevention. People should be aware of risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and unhealthy lifestyles, and the small steps they can take that will make a big impact on preventing stroke.
Looking for more stroke resources?
Learn more about stroke care at Trinity Health Michigan, like risk factors, prevention and recovery.