WHEN
SECONDS
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Telemedicine tools offer state-of-the-art care to stroke patients
Recognizing the signs of a stroke and getting medical care quickly
are essential because the longer a stroke goes untreated, the more
potential for brain damage and disability. The Stroke Center at
Chilton Medical Center, designated a Primary Stroke Center by the
State of New Jersey Department of Health, provides stroke care
that is close to home for many in the community.
p
hysicians use the telestroke robot, the first FDA-
cleared remote robot, to help diagnose stroke
patients more quickly. With this robotically con-
trolled camera and monitor system, neurologists
can remotely see and communicate with the
patient. “When somebody comes into the emer-
gency room with stroke-like symptoms, the telestroke robot
connects them with a stroke specialist at Overlook Medical
Center,” says Fiona Ahern, RN, stroke coordinator. “At
Chilton, our team has specialized training in stroke care.
So our patients are getting state-of-the-art care from stroke
specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
According to the Stroke Association, a stroke occurs when
a clot blocks a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Called an
ischemic stroke, it is the most common type, accounting for
87 percent of all strokes. Timely administration of a drug
called tPA can dissolve the clot, improving blood flow to
the brain.
“Timing is everything,” says Ahern. “Some people wait
days before coming in. They think if their gait is unsteady that
they’re dehydrated. Dehydration does not cause any of that.”
Ahern says symptoms to look for include face drooping,
arm weakness and speech difficulty. “We use the NIH Stroke
Scale tool to assess symptoms, which includes evaluating the
level of consciousness, whether you have a gaze, muscle
weakness, facial weakness, slurred speech, and whether you
have tingling or numbness in the arms or legs.”
For more information about the Joint Commission-
accredited stroke program at Chilton Medical Center, visit
atlantichealth.org. In a medical emergency, please call 911. v
Chilton Magazine summer 2018