Since 1999, Suburban Hospital's Stroke Program has remained dedicated to researching the most effective ways to diagnose and treat stroke using the newest and most scientifically valid technologies and drugs available. Suburban Hospital's Stroke Team is comprised of a dedicated team of multi-disciplinary clinicians available 24/7 and is led by Malik Muhammad Adil, M.B.B.S., Medical Director of Suburban Hospital's Stroke Program, and Nikhil Bhagat, M.D., Medical Director of Interventional Radiology. The program combines the world-class research capabilities of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) with more than 65 years of clinical excellence at a hospital known for providing great medicine in a community setting. The result is one of the most advanced stroke treatment programs.

Every 43 seconds, someone suffers a stroke — an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Because stroke injures the brain, you or the people around you may think a stroke victim is just confused. That’s why everyone should know the signs of stoke and know how to act quickly. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve or worsen. If you believe you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Calling 911 quickly can make the difference in avoiding a lifelong disability. The good news about stroke is that many victims now recover completely if treated promptly.

Research-Backed Treatments

Suburban Hospital was the first acute stroke treatment program in Montgomery County to receive certification as a Primary Stroke Center from The Joint Commission. Suburban Hospital is the designated site for stroke treatment by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. Suburban Hospital is especially equipped to perform a surgical thrombectomy, a type of surgery to remove a blood clot from inside an artery or vein.

24-Hour Stroke Team

The Suburban Hospital Stroke Program incorporates a rapid-response medical team that is highly trained in the newest, most effective diagnostic and treatment procedures. As soon as a stroke patient arrives at Suburban Hospital, the multidisciplinary team promptly goes into action to confirm the diagnosis, identify the type of stroke and quickly initiate an optimal treatment plan. As a certified Primary Stroke Center, Suburban Hospital offers treatments to reduce the damage caused by a stroke. But you must arrive at the hospital as soon as possible.

New Technologies

The Suburban Hospital MRI Center is an integral part of our stroke program. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows clinicians to see the stroke as it is occurring in the brain, while damage is still potentially reversible. Ongoing research projects focus on using MRI as a guide to evaluate new interventions for stroke that will extend the window of time for effective treatment.

Inpatient Care

Stroke patients are admitted to our Suburban's dedicated Stroke Unit or the Intensive Care Unit, depending on their treatment needs. Standardized care pathways ensure that patients benefit from treatment strategies that have proven effective.

Rehabilitation

Thanks to new treatment options, many stroke patients are treated and discharged from Suburban Hospital within a few days with few residual issues. However, extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services are available at the hospital and at NRH/Suburban Regional Rehab for those who require additional therapy. Patient and family education, combined with physical, occupational and speech therapy, are making a significant difference in patients’ lives.

For More Information

• Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time.
• American Stroke Association
• National Stroke Association
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke