Services
Stroke Treatment Pathways
Stroke is a serious medical emergency, and every second counts. If you or a loved one is experiencing any stroke symptoms from the acronym BE FAST (B-Balance, E-Eyes, F-Face, A-Arm S-Speech, T-Time), do not delay treatment, and call 911 right away. It is important to note the last time you or the patient was known to be well or without symptoms and report it to the emergency physician, as well as have a readily available list of all current medications.
For acute ischemic stroke, there are two types of treatments offered here at UConn Health.
Clot-busting Medication: Administration of powerful clot-busting medications is given to eligible and carefully evaluated patients within 3 to 4.5 hours of a patient’s last known well time. These medications have been beneficial to patients with acute ischemic strokes and improve their long-term outcomes.
Endovascular Treatment: UConn Health has a 1,200 sq. ft. high-tech hybrid operating room to provide world-class care to our patients. The hybrid room allows surgeons to provide a wide variety of neurosurgical treatments, from minimally invasive to the most complex procedures, including mechanical thrombectomy and aneurysm clippings and coilings. Mechanical thrombectomy is a life-saving procedure that involves removing a blood clot via a catheter or injecting clot-busting medication into the affected artery.
Drs. Ketan Bulsara and Abner Gershon of UConn Health discuss how they collaborated to help reverse the effects of Nancy’s stroke. Nancy and her daughter Helen share their amazing story.
All stroke patients undergo urgent CT scans of the brain to establish their suitability for clot-busting medication and endovascular treatment. Further imaging, like CT perfusion with RapidAI software, is performed quickly, with results available within 2 minutes! At UConn Health, we understand that time is brain and highly prioritize giving safe and efficient stroke care.
Imaging with RapidAI software shows a brain at risk that is still able to be saved.
Your Hospital Stay
During your hospitalization at UConn Health, you will receive care from nurses and medical and surgical specialists who are on the leading edge of today’s best practices in stroke care. They will be a resource to you and your family every step of the way and help you plan for a smooth transition home or to the next level of care.
The UConn Advantage
UConn Health’s Stroke Center offers the highest standard of care, including prevention strategies, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. At UConn Health, men and women in the Farmington Valley and nearby towns have access to immediate, comprehensive, world-class care to treat strokes 24/7. Our Emergency Department physicians are part of the stroke team and are available around the clock to help you or a loved one at any time of the day or night.
Certified as an Advanced Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, our Stroke Center was recently recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for the stroke team’s commitment to quality care for patients. The Get With The Guidelines®-Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite Award recognizes UConn John Dempsey Hospital’s commitment and success, ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
UConn Health’s Stroke Center works closely with individuals at an increased risk of stroke to prevent a stroke from occurring and with those who experience a warning stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) to reduce the likelihood a major stroke will follow. Individuals experiencing a stroke receive comprehensive care from a team of experts from the time they arrive at the UConn Health Emergency Department through their stroke recovery. Our team is trained in the latest procedures and technology, ensuring you receive a rapid response and coordinated care for your stroke recovery.