Telestroke

Abstract

Teleradiology, transfer of radiology images to a distant diagnostician, has existed for more than 50 years and is a fundamental element in telestroke programs. Teleradiology allows access to expertise for accurate and rapid interpretation of noncontrast CT (NCCT) scans to distinguish ischemic stroke from hemorrhagic stroke. No acute stroke thrombolytic or clot retrieval treatment decision can be made without it. Innovations in CT software and ambulance-based CT scans are significantly improving outcomes by matching patients to effective treatment paradigms. This article reviews telestroke models, NCCT interpretation pearls, and access challenges to the latest neuroradiology technology within rural and underserved regions.

Keywords: Acute ischemic stroke; Head CT; PACs; Prehospital telestroke evalution; Rural telestroke; Telemedicine; Teleradiology; Telestroke.