Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center Primary Stroke Center

Wilkes Medical Center holds the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center.

Primary Stroke Center certification

Wilkes Medical Center delivers expert stroke treatment – from diagnosis to recovery – right here in North Wilkesboro. Our experienced team treats all types of stroke, including ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA or “mini stroke”).

Fast treatment is critical to minimizing damage and supporting a smooth recovery. With priority beds reserved for stroke patients, we’re prepared to deliver lifesaving care as quickly as possible. Our patients also benefit from exceptional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services to promote faster healing.

Wilkes Medical Center is proud to be recognized as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. This certification reflects our commitment to high-quality stroke care and better outcomes for our patients. We also offer direct access to the certified Comprehensive Stroke Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Why Choose Us for Stroke Treatment

National recognition for excellence in stroke care, including certification by The Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center
24/7 virtual access to leading neurology experts
Outstanding rehabilitation services, both in the hospital and after discharge
Individualized care, per stroke needs
Assistance with discharge planning starting on admission
Personalized education based on stroke risk factors
Nurses specifically trained in stroke care
Standardized stroke care throughout the region

Do You Know the Stroke Signs and Symptoms?

Recognizing a Stroke in Others Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. If you are over age 55, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, smoke or are African American, you are at higher risk for a stroke.

Some warning signs of a stroke are:

Dizziness or loss of balance
Blurred or altered vision
Drooping on one side of the face
Weakness in one arm or leg
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Terrible headache

Learn more about stroke symptoms and signs.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to call 911 or get to your nearest emergency department.

What Are the Immediate Actions After a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of your brain is suddenly blocked or reduced. Without enough blood, brain cells don’t get the oxygen they need – and that can lead to serious damage.

That’s why getting help fast is critical. Quick treatment can save your life and reduce the chance of long-term problems like difficulty speaking, walking, or remembering things.

If you or someone you love shows signs of a stroke, call 911 right away. Emergency responders may be able to start treatment before you even reach the hospital.

Once at the hospital, a specialized stroke team will quickly assess the situation to figure out what kind of stroke it is, how severe it is and what treatment will work best.

What Are the Medical Treatments for a Stroke?

Treatment is personalized for each person and depends on the type and severity of the stroke.

For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications like Tenecteplase (TNK) may be given within a narrow time window. Surgery may also be needed to remove blockages. Hemorrhagic strokes may require blood pressure management, surgery or other treatments to control bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain.

After emergency treatment, patients benefit from our exceptional inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services – helping them regain strength, mobility, and independence.

Awards and Recognition

American Heart Association's Get with the Guidelines Silver Badge. In July 2025, Wilkes Medical Center received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®- Rural Stroke Silver Achievement Award. This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Wilkes Medical Center is proud to be a Primary Stroke Center, working closely with the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. This direct connection ensures you receive seamless, high-quality stroke care with access to advanced expertise at every step.

See the latest outcomes at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

Inpatient Stroke Measures	Data
Medication Given to Reduce Risk Blood Clot	96%
Blood Thinning Medication for Abnormal Heart Rhythm	100%
Blood Thinning Medication to Reduce Blood Clots by End of Day 2	100%
Discharged on Cholesterol Lowering Medication	100%
Discharged on Appropriate High Dose of Cholesterol Lowering Medication	100%
Stroke Education Provided	100%

Our goal at Wilkes Medical Center has always been to reduce the risk of stroke in our community, state and nation by generating and translating knowledge to prevent, diagnose and treat strokes and to provide the highest standard of patient-centered care and education to stroke patients.

Telestroke Network

A stroke is a brain attack – and when it comes to treatment, time saves brain. The faster a stroke patient is treated, the better their chances of recovery with little or no disability. That's why it is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke and to seek medical treatment within the first 3 hours of onset.

At Wilkes Medical Center, we’re part of the Wake Forest Baptist Telestroke Network. This connection gives our emergency department physicians 24/7 access to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s acute stroke experts through secure, two-way video, audio and image sharing technology.

The Telestroke Network serves as a real-time link between Wilkes Medical Center's emergency team and leading stroke specialists at Wake Forest Baptist. Using robotic technology, stroke experts can observe the patient, review physical exams and view MRI images while consulting directly with our emergency physicians. This allows for fast diagnosis and the start of lifesaving medication within minutes.

Wake Forest Baptist is internationally known for pioneering work in stroke treatment, including advanced diagnostic technologies and improved treatment outcomes. Our multidisciplinary approach brings together specialists in neurosurgery, interventional radiology, emergency medicine, neuro-intensive care and neurology. Each stroke specialist has completed fellowship training in stroke care or is board-certified in vascular neurology, forming the largest stroke team in the region.

Referring Physicians

The Telestroke Network is a partnership between Wake Forest Baptist and network hospitals to ensure 24-hour access to our stroke experts via 2-way live video and audio consultation. Request a consult by calling 1-877-WF4-Stroke.

MyAtriumHealth

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Wilkes Medical Center Primary Stroke Center

Why Choose Us for Stroke Treatment

Do You Know the Stroke Signs and Symptoms?

What Are the Immediate Actions After a Stroke?

What Are the Medical Treatments for a Stroke?

Awards and Recognition

Telestroke Network

Referring Physicians

Telestroke Network

Targeting Stroke in the Stroke Belt

Telestroke Network FAQs

Alice Ford - Stroke Survivor