Stroke Telemedicine

Overview

Stroke telemedicine consultation

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Stroke Telemedicine Network at Mayo Clinic in Arizona

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In stroke telemedicine, also called telestroke, doctors trained in cerebrovascular conditions (neurologists) remotely evaluate people who've had acute strokes and make treatment recommendations to emergency medicine doctors at other sites. Doctors communicate using digital video cameras, Internet telecommunications, robots, smart phones and other technology. Having a prompt neurological evaluation increases the possibility that you may receive clot-dissolving therapies (thrombolytics) or other clot-retrieving treatments in time to reduce disability resulting from stroke.

Learn more about stroke telemedicine at Mayo Clinic.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic stroke telemedicine staff gives you individualized care and serves you in your community. At a central site, a dedicated staff of neurologists trained in blood vessel conditions (vascular neurologists), brain surgeons (neurosurgeons), endovascular surgical radiologists and other doctors trained in stroke telemedicine work as a team with emergency medicine doctors and staff at remote sites. Vascular neurologists at Mayo Clinic use several technologies, depending on the remote site's location and available resources.

Doctors at Mayo Clinic in Arizona began participating in stroke telemedicine as a clinical trial in 2007, then established the Stroke Telemedicine for Arizona Rural Resident (STARR) network later that year. The STARR network has grown from two to seven remote locations, and other sites may join the program.

In addition, stroke telemedicine staff at Mayo Clinic in Arizona assisted Mayo Clinic in Florida staff in launching a stroke telemedicine network in 2010 and is helping doctors at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota develop a regional network. Doctors also participate in several international stroke telemedicine pilot programs.

Read more about stroke at MayoClinic.com.