Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and cause of disability in the United States. CommonSpirit Health is prepared to offer immediate medical attention in our stroke centers throughout Colorado, Kansas and Utah. Our rapid response to stroke, advanced stroke treatment capabilities, efficient processes and acute stroke rehabilitation means stroke victims will experience exceptional and compassionate care paired with the best technology, expertise and experience. And, we have a strong partnership with prehospital EMS, so stroke treatment begins on the way to the hospital to capture the greatest opportunity to minimize brain damage.
Stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked or decreased. Without blood flow, up to 2 million neurons may die every minute. Every minute lost increases the chance of a person experiencing permanent neurological damage, stroke-related disability or even death. Stroke is a medical emergency that requires rapid treatment.
Types of stroke include:
Ischemic (blockage): An ischemic stroke occurs when there is blockage of blood flow to the brain. This blockage causes brain tissue to die from lack of oxygen. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic.
Hemorrhagic (bleeding): A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding into or around the brain. Bleeding in the brain can damage brain cells and cause them to die. About 13 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.
Transient Ischemic Attack: A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is when blood supply to the brain is temporarily blocked. When this happens, the brain does not function properly. The person has stroke-like symptoms. Once blood flow is restored to the brain, the symptoms resolve.
CommonSpirit’s Stroke Centers
Comprehensive Stroke Centers
The Comprehensive Stroke Center designation is awarded only to hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. St. Anthony Hospital and Penrose Hospital address the full spectrum of stroke care 24/7 – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education.
Primary Stroke Centers
CommonSpirit’s Primary Stroke Centers are located in St. Anthony North Hospital, Longmont United Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, and provide staffing, infrastructure and programs to stabilize and treat the most acute stroke patients.
Emergent Stroke Ready Hospitals
Mercy Hospital, St. Mary-Corwin Hospital, St. Catherine Hospital and Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital all provide expertise to receive patients, perform imaging, deliver initial treatments and transfer patients in conjunction with a primary or comprehensive stroke center.
Bright futures beyond stroke
Across our communities, lives of our friends and families are impacted by stroke.
Read stories of of recovery as a result of F.A.S.T action and expert, coordinated stroke response teams.
Signs of Stroke
Call 911 immediately if you think someone is having a stroke. Do not drive to the hospital. The faster a stroke is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better chance of a successful recovery. Know the BE FAST signs
