Use of Telestroke to Improve Access to Care for Rural Patients with Stroke Symptoms

Cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, is a common cause of death or disability. Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving survival rates and reducing the long-term effects of stroke. For patients with ischemic stroke, thrombolytic drugs and endovascular intervention are time-sensitive treatment options.

A telestroke program was implemented in the upper Midwest. A team of 4 interventional neurologists provided telestroke consultation to a comprehensive stroke center and 5 other acute stroke–ready rural hospitals.

Conclusion: Rural patients with stroke symptoms may experience a delay in care or stroke diagnosis due to distance to specialized neurologic services. Telestroke consultation is a successful method for timely diagnosis of stroke and recommendation for treatment.

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