Comprehensive Stroke Care

Expert Stroke Care

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It’s the main cause of adult disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

It’s extremely important to identify and treat a stroke as quickly as possible, which is why Neurosciences & Spine Center has a dedicated stroke care team. This team of physicians, clinicians and support staff are trained to care for stroke patients quickly, effectively and compassionately.

Working Together for You

At Neurosciences & Spine Center, our multidisciplinary stroke team works to reduce the effects of stroke by providing prompt evaluation and treatment of stroke symptoms.

The stroke services care team at Neurosciences & Spine Center includes:

Emergency Department Physicians
Neurohospitalist
Neuroscience Team
Pharmacists
Physical, Occupational, and Speech-Language Therapists as well as other members of the Rehabilitation Team
Care Coordinators
Nurse Professionals and Technicians
Dieticians
Respiratory Therapists
Radiologists
Laboratory

Not only will you find immediate support from every member of the team, but they’ll also work with you to provide expert follow-up care.

Nationally Recognized Stroke Care

Neurosciences & Spine Center is a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. This means that Neurosciences & Spine Center has met criteria developed by the Joint Commission in conjunction with the American Stroke Association and provides exceptional care that meets the unique needs of a stroke patient and improves outcomes.

Neurosciences & Spine Center has been a Joint Commission approved Stroke Center since 2011.

UNC Health Rex: Comprehensive Stroke Center

24/7 Stroke Care and Support

Neurosciences & Spine Center performs Endovascular Thrombectomies for stroke patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our team includes highly qualified and experienced physicians who can perform the treatment at any time. An Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a specialized surgical procedure used to remove a blood clot from the brain during an ischemic stroke – a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain. The procedure involves placing a catheter into the brain and removing the clot that is causing the stroke.

Since Neurosciences & Spine Center implemented the Neurointerventional Radiology (NIR) Program, 49% of ischemic stroke patients that received an EVT improved so significantly they were able to be discharged back home or to inpatient rehabilitation. Removing blood clots from the brain leads to better outcomes for stroke patients, including greater independence and mobility.

Advanced Technology and Treatments

When a stroke occurs, every second counts.

Our stroke team is trained to diagnose and treat these types of stroke quickly and effectively. Treatment options include:

Anticoagulants
Antiplatelets
Carotid Endarterectomy
Clot-Dissolving Intravenous Medications

UNC Health Rex: Stroke Systems of Care

Risk Factors for Stroke

High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity

These and other risk factors such as a family history of stroke, race (particularly African-American), poor diet, lack of exercise and having other heart problems like atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure can stack the odds of a stroke against you.

Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Stroke: BE FAST

Recovery Process

Every stroke patient will also meet with a Care Coordinator who will work with your care team to ensure you are getting the continued help you need through rehabilitation, home care, fitness experts or nutrition experts.

Stroke Survivor Returns to UNC Rex to Thank Care Team

Contact Us For An Appointment

The care team at Neurosciences & Spine Center can help you decide on the treatment that’s best for you. They specialize in minimally invasive surgery and are experienced in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases, using the newest techniques for relieving pain and returning you to an active lifestyle. To make an appointment at Neurosciences & Spine Center call 919-784-7550.

Request an Appointment

Need More Help?

Stroke

Brain Aneurysm

doctors performing brain surgery on patient

Brain and Pituitary Tumors

Chiari Malformations

Mimi Harris (TMH)

Very helpful

Nat Lambeth

I am a former patient of Dr Koolevelt, hate he retired am of the opinion he is a great doctor. I had a very good result from my surgery last April. I have encountered a new problem. I called and got an appoint ment to see Daniel Ingram he to is great. He listen to my complaint(s), then examined me. He sent me for xrays, and gave me a recomended treatment plan. Within hours of having my xrays he called me back with the preliminary results. He said he would get me seen for an injection to rule out possible other issues. He is a warm friendly professional. Great bedside manner. You don't find medical professionals of his quality in every practice. UNCRex Neuroscience is lucky to have him.

Dennis Hlad

Everyone was pleasant & efficient. Daniel Ingram, PA went over the previous MRI showing me where the problem is. Then we discussed the options. He suggested if the symptoms changed to contact him.

Jill Schade

I have known Dr Koeleveld and his team over 19 years and due to the nature of my back history L5/S1. There is NO one else I would trust but Dr K, Dan, Judy and his wonderful team. I should have written this sooner as I am 2 years post fusion and doing wonderful. Their expertise, care and compassion is second to none.

Katy TwoJsMom

Amazing. Mom needed nerve ablation on the back. She has a pacemaker and these folks were wonderful.

Kristian Brock

Best experience I had even Surgery went great, Dr.Lacin knew exactly what needed to be done.

Catherine Raspet

When I had stenosis quite a while ago, he performed surgery,and I woke up with no pain. What an extreme relief.

Raymond Baule

Great job Dr. Buttram!

Whitney Moore

John A. Engler, MD was amazing! I've been having back pain for years (had surgery in 2011) and was good for awhile. However I started going to a pain management clinic 3 years ago when it started up again. After an incident that cause me to go the the ER I was referred to Dr. Engler. He was extremely nice and informative. He took the time to explain everything to me. Extremely satisfied with the care I received will update after everything is said and done.

Mary Roby

I am now pain free and well on my way to a full recovery thanks to Dr. Lacin. Both he and his staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, caring and professional. Dr. Lacin performed back surgery on me as well as my mom and we will both be forever grateful.

Jeff Wiblitzhouser

Dr. Lacin's skill and dedication gave me a new lease on life. As a designer and builder of custom homes and remodels, I depend on my ability to get in and out of houses, tight spaces, etc., and my back had gotten to the point where the pain was intolerable. I didn't hire Dr. Lacin to tell me what I wanted to hear, I hired him to help me regain functionality. Thank You Dr. Lacin and your staff!!

Joann

My primary care doctor referred me to Dr Engler for a second opinion. First, I would like to say I would highly recommend seeing Dr Engler. He was patient, very thorough, and really took the time listening to me when I explained the pain I been experiencing. I was so relieved when he immediately pinpointed the cause of my pain. Dr Engler not only told me my options, but he explained them in-dept to me, and answered all my questions. I was truly satisfied with my visit. I Couldn't have asked for a better doctor.

Sharon Greene

Superb care from Dr Lacin and staff. Dr Lacin repaired my cervical disc, and with each visit I felt as if my care was most important to him and he Treated me like I was his only patient. Great bedside manner and Excellent surgeon. Highly recommended!!!

Brooke Weisner

Dr. Buttram was amazing, he helped me recover from a severely herniated disc, which ultimately had to have surgery on. his staff is super sweet and friendly, I would recommend him to anyone who is having back pain.