Stroke Care at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Stroke at University of Colorado Hospital?

Minutes Matter when you are having a stroke…so does expertise. University of Colorado Hospital is a Joint Commission certified Primary Stroke Center. This means that stroke victims receive the highest level of care possible. We not only provide a level care not found elsewhere in the region, our 24/7 Stroke Alert System is designed to get that care to the patient as soon as possible before precious minutes slip away.

Superior Expertise in Stroke Care

University of Colorado Hospital has the largest neurovascular service in the state. Our nationally renowned doctors offer highly specialized surgical techniques and interventional neuroradiology procedures not available elsewhere in Colorado. This means better results for patients who may otherwise suffer from irreversible brain damage or death. Though time is one of the biggest factors in achieving better outcomes, thanks to the level of expertise found at UCH, the window of opportunity for intervention may be extended.

Full Service Stroke Care

Once the patient passes through the initial crisis stage, the hard work of recovery begins.   

Neuro Intensive Care Unit – The patient first goes to the Neuro ICU as the medical treatment and further evaluations progress.

Stroke Unit – The patient then moves to the Stroke Unit within our Neurosciences department to complete medical evaluation and start with the recovery process.

Rehabilitation – Our physiatrist works the patient through intense therapies to help him/her prepare to go home as soon as possible.

Follow-up – Although patients leave our hospital, they never truly leave our care. With neurologists specializing in the care of stroke patients, medical management continues after discharge and staff in the Neuroscience Center make follow up calls throughout that first year after returning home.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when a blood vessel to the brain is either blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). This prevents oxygen from reaching the brain and damage can begin within minutes. The parts of the body controlled by that part of the brain will not work properly. That is why it is important to know the signs of stroke and act fast. Minutes matter when the very first stroke symptoms appear. Call 911 immediately!

Stroke Warning Signs

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs – especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden vision trouble in on or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Stroke Statistics

The statistics for stroke are startling:

  • Stroke is the 3rd leading cause death in the U.S.
  • It is the #1 cause of permanent disability – 3 million Americans cannot work because of stroke
  • 731,000 strokes occur annually
  • The ideal treatment window for most strokes is within 3 hours
  • Only 3 – 5% of patients make it to the hospital in time for treatment
  • Most people don’t know the signs of stroke
  • A recent survey showed that people fear having a stroke more than dying because of the disability they may have

Stroke: Featured Item

Stroke Program

Minutes Matter. Time is of the essence from the first moments stroke symptoms appear. Within minutes, the Stroke Alert system at the University of Colorado Hospital mobilizes a comprehensive team of specialists at any time, night or day, that assesses and cares for the stroke patient the minute he/she comes through our door.

Stroke: Featured Doctors

Dr. Kerry Brega, co-Medical Director of the Stroke Program, ensures that a full team of specialists are available within minutes of an alert to provide patients with 24/7 stroke care.

Dr. William Jones , stroke neurologist, is the co-Medical Director of the Stroke Program. He ensures continuity of care from acute patient care through outpatient follow-up and rehabilitation.

Dr. David Kumpe performed the first intracerebral clot lysis in Colorado in 1988, and since then he continues be on the cutting edge of stroke treatment. Dr. Kumpe is the director of interventional radiology and leads the team responsible for aneurysm coiling.

Dr. Robert Breeze belongs to a very small group of surgeons in the world with the ability to surgically treat aneurysms through clip ligation. This enables UCH to offer options to stroke patients that are not available elsewhere.

Dr. Robert Neumann feels the time immediately following the initial treatment is critical to minimizing complications. As the director of the Neurological Critical Care Team, Dr. Neumann plays a crucial role in achieving a long-term favorable outcomes for stroke patients.