Neurological care

Our specialists diagnose brain and nervous system conditions using a variety of advanced testing, including:

• Brain endoscopy
• Cine flow study
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Electroneurodiagnostics
• Intraoperative 3D brain imaging
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Transcranial Doppler study
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
• Ultrasound of the carotid arteries

Some of our neurological treatments include:

• Aphasia treatment
• Astrocytoma treatment
• Brain mapping
• Chiari malformation treatment
• Glioblastoma multiforme treatment
• Meningioma treatment
• Microvascular decompression
• Stroke treatment
• Tumor removal
• Vagal nerve stimulator placement

Advanced stroke care

TMCA is a Primary Plus Stroke Center certified through the DNV and this designation demonstrates our commitment to excellence in stroke care.

Our stroke care program features:

• 24/7 neurosurgical services for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients
• 24/7 on-call neurology coverage
• 24/7 neuro-interventional services for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients
• AirLife Denver for rapid transport to our medical center
• Neurological rehabilitation (neurorehab)
• Partnership with Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital for highly specialized inpatient and outpatient neurorehab
• Skull-based neurosurgeons specializing in cerebrovascular services
• Stroke alert program
• Stroke support group

LVO mechanical thrombectomy

The faster a person receives acute treatment for stroke, the more complete the recovery can be. That’s why we perform mechanical thrombectomy procedures on-site in our neuro-interventional suite. A mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a highly specialized neuro-interventionalist removes a stroke-causing blood clot from your brain.

A large vessel occlusion, or LVO, is a type of stroke in which a blood clot blocks one of the major arteries of the brain. This type of stroke can be particularly severe, so timely, advanced treatment is crucial to not only save lives but also to prevent serious brain damage.

During the procedure, a tiny tube (called a catheter) is threaded (typically through the leg) into the affected artery. Through the catheter, the team captures and removes the clot, allowing blood flow to be restored to the previously blocked area of the brain. When blood flow is restored, brain tissue is preserved.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by ruptured cerebral aneurysm

Some subarachnoid hemorrhages (bleeding around the brain) are caused by ruptured cerebral aneurysms. These aneurysms need to be fixed to stop the bleeding. The Medical Center of Aurora offers aneurysm coiling on-site in our neuro-interventional suite by a highly specialized neuro-interventionalist.

During the procedure, a tiny tube (called a catheter) is threaded (typically through the leg) up to the bleeding area. Coils can be used to block blood flow to the aneurysm stopping the bleeding.

Stroke telemedicine

Our hospital is equipped with remote access stroke care technology. This means if you are exhibiting stroke symptoms and arrive at our emergency room (ER), you can be assessed almost instantaneously by neurologists specializing in stroke care. As a result, emergency physicians can more quickly treat you, reducing or eliminating long-term stroke impacts.

Stroke alert program

We developed a stroke alert program as a benefit to you. As part of this program, specially trained stroke response teams work closely with our emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Together, they quickly and appropriately identify and treat strokes by immediately:

• Determining the time of onset of the symptoms
• Determining the possible contributing risk factors
• Performing a CT scan in the ER
• Providing in-person or telemedicine neurology evaluation

Stroke support group

Hosted at Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital's life gym, this monthly group session provides further education and support for individuals who have had a stroke and their families. Sessions are typically on the third Wednesday of the month from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. For questions, contact the Spalding Outpatient Clinic at (303) 363-5150 or at Ashley.Roberts@healthonecares.com.

Swedish Neuro Network

Swedish Medical Center is a national leader in the area of neurosciences. Featuring clinical depth and a team of experts combined with unparalleled outcomes, Swedish has become the gold standard in stroke, neurology and neurosurgical care.

The Swedish Neuro Network leverages the quality and capabilities of Swedish with stroke/neuro care at five other HealthONE acute care hospitals to benefit patients throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Services are available at:

• Swedish Medical Center
• North Suburban Medical Center
• Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
• Rose Medical Center
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• The Medical Center of Aurora

Epilepsy and seizure management

We are dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Our electroneurodiagnostics laboratory allows our doctors to accurately diagnose seizure disorders. We also have experience helping women manage their seizure disorders during pregnancy.

Movement disorder care

Our team of skilled providers, including neuropsychologists, addresses cognitive problems and provides patient and family education for:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease

Although there are no cures for these diseases, we help manage and fine-tune medications to reduce your symptoms as much as possible. Additionally, if you have Parkinson's disease, we offer deep brain stimulation as an advanced treatment.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

DBS is a surgical procedure used to treat neurological symptoms caused by Parkinson's disease. This procedure can help reduce tremors, rigidity, stiffness, walking problems and slowed movement. It is generally used if you have symptoms that cannot be controlled with medication.

DBS does not damage healthy brain tissue, and it can be reversed. It can also easily be adjusted as your condition changes, and it decreases side effects caused by medications.

Spine care

We use a collaborative approach to spine care, which combines expertise from specialists in Orthopedic care.

An injury to the brain or central nervous system can seriously affect your ability to perform a variety of tasks. This is why, when you are admitted to our hospital for a brain or central nervous system disorder, we begin intensive neurological rehabilitation as soon you are capable. This can include physical, occupational and/or speech therapy.

As part of our comprehensive neurological care program, neurorehabilitation helps improve your ability to function independently after being diagnosed with a neurological conditions, such as a brain injury or infection.

We have developed a care program with nearby Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, a licensed acute rehabilitation center that specializes in neurological rehabilitation. This relationship allows you to transition smoothly from the acute hospital setting into a rehab facility.