Conditions We Treat

University of New Mexico ACCESS Telemedicine extends the capabilities of the state’s only Level 1 trauma facility and its only Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons are available 24/7/365 to provide virtual patient consults in hospitals statewide. Partners get a neurologist “on staff” — even if one’s only needed a few times a year. Patients get the same care as they would at UNM while staying closer to home, with transfers to our medical center still available when needed.

Learn more about our role as neuro-emergent care leaders.

Neurological Conditions We Treat

Most neurology telemedicine programs only consult on stroke or stroke rule-out. ACCESS Telemedicine consults on any neurology and neurosurgery issue, including:

  • Altered mental status: Drug overdoses, injuries, seizures, strokes or even urinary tract infections (UTIs) can alter mental status. Symptoms such as confusion, disorientation and loss of consciousness need careful evaluation. Our neurologists will help find the cause.
  • Back and spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can frequently cause paralysis or death. Even when cases are less urgent, many still need specialist assessment. Learn more about UNM’s brain and spine injury program.
  • Cavernous angioma (cavernoma): Cavernomas can cause seizures, weakness, balance problems and hemorrhage. These clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord are rare in most populations. But they can be passed down in families, and occur at a higher rate among Hispanic families of New Mexican descent. UNM offers exceptional expertise as a Cavernous Angioma Center of Excellence, one of only two in the U.S.
  • Concussion, head trauma and traumatic brain injury: Falls, sports collisions and accidents can cause hard-to-distinguish symptoms. ACCESS Telemedicine neurologists and neurosurgeons help differentiate which conditions need local care and which require transfer.
  • Seizure: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can result from infection, fever, stroke, or overdose or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Very high blood pressure or a brain tumor can also cause a seizure. Our neurologists can consult on a patient’s appearance, speech and test results to pinpoint the cause. If epilepsy is suspected, patients can get answers from the UNM Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
  • Stroke: During a stroke, getting care fast can make a big difference. Our rapid telestroke consultation helps providers at local hospitals make the right call and start tPA administration when it’s appropriate. Learn more about our stroke care.

Additional Medical Conditions

ACCESS Telemedicine is continually evolving to better serve New Mexico’s health needs. In the future, we anticipate adding additional specialties. Find out more about how UNM ACCESS Telemedicine works.