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Stroke Unit and Emergency Neurology

Affiliation and Location

University of Milan
Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano

Contact and Location Details

Dott.ssa Sara Bonato
Responsabile della Stroke Unit

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The Stroke Unit of the Policlinico di Milano is a Level II Center, established in 2016, and is an integral part of the Lombardy Region Stroke Network. It is equipped with 8 sub-intensive care beds and represents an advanced model of integrated management for stroke patients.

The multidisciplinary stroke management team includes:

Neurologists specializing in cerebrovascular diseases
Interventional neuroradiologists
Neuro-intensivists
Nurses, physiotherapists, and speech therapists

The Unit provides acute treatments for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, utilizing advanced technologies such as CT perfusion imaging. The therapeutic approach is timely and personalized, featuring continuous monitoring of vital parameters and close clinical surveillance.

During hospitalization, a rehabilitation pathway is initiated early to optimize the recovery of impaired functions. Subsequently, second-level outpatient activity ensures long-term follow-up, with adjustments to secondary prevention and ongoing clinical monitoring

The Unit performs advanced diagnostic activities for the evaluation of cerebrovascular pathologies. It utilizes high-technology tools to perform vascular diagnostics (Carotid and Transcranial Doppler, CTA, MRA), cardiological assessments (Holter ECG, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), internal medicine evaluations (arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes), and hematological studies (coagulation disorders). Furthermore, PET scans and multispecialty pathways (immunological, rheumatological, and infectious disease consultations) are available for systemic diseases with cerebrovascular involvement. These examinations allow for a precise definition of the cause of the cerebrovascular event and the implementation of the most effective preventive therapies.

The Unit is actively involved in clinical and translational research, with a particular focus on acute ischemic stroke management. It maintains a dedicated registry (POLISTAR) for data collection aimed at quality control and the development of projects regarding acute phase management.

Specifically, the primary research objectives include:

Mechanistic Studies: Investigating the mechanisms of ischemic stroke by integrating demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data.
Thrombus Analysis: Conducting histopathological and multi-omic analyses on thrombi retrieved from patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.
Collaborations: Partnering with the “Dino Ferrari” Center and participating in national and international clinical trials.
Innovation: Focusing on new therapeutic approaches, innovative diagnostic technologies, and advanced secondary prevention strategies.

Furthermore, the Unit is deeply committed to academic and postgraduate training for students and residents, contributing significantly to the professional development of healthcare providers.