New Stroke Tool Likely to Improve Outcomes

There are basically two type s of strokes – hemorrhagic (bleeding from a vessel) and ischemic (a clot in a vessel).

The treatment for each is very different, but the time it takes to diagnose a stroke is critical.  Even a few minutes can significantly change the outcome.  You can get more information about strokes published by the National Stroke Association here and on our website here.

Researchers are now developing and testing a new tool that helps speed the diagnosis of stroke, which can be made even before a patient reaches the hospital.  This is an especially important development for the treatment of ischemic stroke where the clot-busting medications must be initiated within three hours of onset to be effective.

The tool, known as iTREAT, is a communications system installed in a an ambulance which allows neurologists to directly communicate with and examine stroke patients enroute and provide faster diagnosis once they reach the hospital.  This is yet anther example of the many ways which medical services are delivered online, which is rapidly evolving in many areas from online physicians to remote surgical procedures.

Time is often of the essence in medicine.  Better and faster communication will continue to result in better and faster diagnoses leading to improved outcomes, especially where minutes count.  These advances should also reduce the cost of healthcare for everyone.

 

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