University Medical Center Stroke Program
History of Stroke Care at University Medical Center
University Medical Center/Arizona Health Sciences Center (UMC/AHSC) has offered quality stroke care for over 30 years. The Department of Neurology is central to the Stroke Program and includes approximately 20 board certified Neurologists and 16 residents, all who have specific training in current guidelines and treatment of stroke.
In 2009, UMC received Joint Commission stroke center certification, Southern Arizona's first certified stroke center.
Stroke Program Mission
The mission of the UMC/AHSC Stroke Program is to provide age appropriate, culturally sensitive, optimal care to patients with stroke, to individualize care to meet the needs of each patient and family, to collaborate with other health care professionals and ancillary services to meet the age appropriate needs of the patient and family.
Hospital Services for Stroke
UMC/AHSC Stroke Program brings together the combined expertise of a multidiscipline team, including physicians, nurses, and therapists. The stroke team at UMC/AHSC includes members from neurology, nursing, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, emergency care, therapy, and laboratory services.
Our program has designated units and specially trained staff for patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The Stroke Program uses specific stroke protocols and measures benchmarks of care. Our program consistently exceeds The Joint Commission expectations for the care of stroke.
UMC/AHSC has a state-of-the-art neuroimaging center which includes CT scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography and digital angiography. Functional neuroimaging such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is also available. The Cerebrovascular Laboratory utilizes sophisticated non-invasive ultrasound technology to evaluate the blood vessels of the head. Without causing discomfort or risk to the patient, Duplex Ultrasound with color flow imaging examines the carotid arteries (the large vessels in the neck) for atherosclerosis and narrowing. We also offer Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound, a technique which allows non-invasive identification of narrowing, spasm, or occlusion of vessels inside the head.
Outpatient (Clinic) Services for Stroke
The Stroke Clinic is offered as a Department of Neurology outpatient clinic. Stroke Clinics are located in Tucson (one on the south side and one on the north side), Green Valley and Sierra Vista. To schedule a Stroke Clinic appointment, call 520-694-8888.
Patients are referred to the Stroke Clinic for stroke-like symptoms, stroke prevention, follow-up care after discharge from the hospital, or for stroke rehabilitation. In the stroke clinic(s), patients are initially evaluated by a physician specializing in stroke. Consultation from other specialists is obtained as needed and additional diagnostic tests may be ordered as needed.
All care is carried out in concert with the patient's primary physician, who becomes an integral member of the team. After evaluation is completed and results are reviewed with the patient, a detailed summary is sent to the primary physician.
Research
As leaders in advancing stroke care, the faculty at the University of Arizona and UMC/AHSC (Bruce Coull, MD) are actively involved in national, large-scale clinical research trials for stroke prevention and treatment including:
- SPS3: "Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes". Assesses the effects of aspirin alone or aspirin with clopidogrel as well as aggressive or routine blood pressure management on recurrence of small strokes.
- IRIS: Pioglitazone vs. placebo in stroke/TIA patients with insulin resistance. Assesses whether treatment of insulin resistance reduces the risk of recurrent stroke prior to patient.s developing overt diabetes.
- ALIAS II: Albumin in Acute Stroke. Assesses whether use of albumin infusion within 5 hours of acute stroke is helpful in stroke outcomes.
- POINT: Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke. Assesses whether a loading dose of clopidogrel followed by clopidogrel and aspirin is helpful in preventing stoke in the first 90 days after either a TIA or minor ischemic stroke.
- ERICH: Ethnic/Racial differences in Ischemic Hemorrhage. Genetic study to assess if there are racial and ethnic differences that may predispose some populations to having hemorrhagic strokes.
Patients followed as part of a clinical trial are seen in the stroke research lab at UMC/AHSC Department of Neurology (6th floor). For more information about clinical trials, please contact:
Mina Malekniazi, RN
Department of Neurology
Arizona Health Sciences Center
Tucson, AZ 85724
(520) 626-4150
Faculty also participate in translational research projects to minimize brain injury and improve functional outcomes after stroke (Leslie Ritter, PhD, RN).
Education
The Stroke Program provides education to the patient, family/caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the community. Patient education begins in the hospital and focuses on knowledge of their current condition, risk factors for stroke and TIA, and their readiness for discharge. In collaboration with the Sarver Heart Center, faculty participate in stroke education events for the public.
The Stroke Program also provides ongoing stroke education for healthcare professionals. Weekly Neuroscience Grand Rounds and an annual William Feinberg Memorial Stroke Lecture is provided. The Stroke Program also provides stroke-specific training opportunities for medical students, residents, fellows and nurses.
Contact UMC Stroke Program leadership at:
UMCStrokeProgram@neurology.arizona.edu