The Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) is the largest, most comprehensive neuroscience center in the Rocky Mountain region. A non-profit organization located on the campus of Swedish Medical Center, CNI has seven programs and ten services for people with neurological illness. Each program provides five components: a comprehensive team approach; education programs; research and clinical trials; outcomes studies; and outreach to outlying communities.
Under the direction of Don B. Smith, MD, the CNI Stroke Program takes a leadership role in research and clinical trials for stroke prevention and treatment.
CNI was the first Denver site to participate in clinical trials for the clot-busting drug t-PA, which led to its FDA approval as a treatment for acute stroke.
Stroke is a cererovascular injury that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a clogged or burst artery.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, killing 160,000 Americans per year.
More than 730,000 Americans have a new or recurrent stroke each year.
Every minute in the United States, someone has a stroke.
Over the course of a lifetime, four out of every five American families will be touched by stroke.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Four million Americans are living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke costs the United States more than $30 billion annually. Direct costs to hospitals, physicians and rehabilitation add up to $17 billion. Indirect costs such as lost productivity and the toll on families total $13 billion.
Stroke increases with age. Every decade after age 55, the risk of stroke doubles.
Stroke kills twice as many American women each year as breast cancer.
African-Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to have a stroke, and twice as likely to die from a stroke.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, heart disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and high cholesterol.
Stroke symptoms signal a Brain Attack: If you see or have any of these symptoms, call 911! Every minute counts.
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance.
The medical information presented on this website is meant for general educational purpose only. Individuals should consult their physician regarding specific medical concerns or treatment.
Copyright 2010- 2012. Colorado Neurological Institute
