Telemedicine key to examining rural stroke victims

Thanks to advances in broadband and medical technology, telemedicine is an effective treatment of stroke victims.

When determining whether or not an individual has suffered a stroke, time is a very important factor. Using the videoconferencing aspect of telemedicine in rural and remote areas across the country saves so much time that it increases the chance of survival and quality of life for stroke patients.

"Telestroke technology" uses broadband to connect doctor and patient relaying information such as a patient's brain images.

The system, according to a statement this week by the American Heart Association, is a cost-effective, time saving diagnostic technique, and expands access to those who would have gone without access to stroke specialized neurologists.

In Georgia, broadband has allowed for the creation of the REACH system, which connects the Medical College of Georgia's neurology department with 10 rural Georgia hospitals. This system allows for rural patients to be able to go to their local hospitals and receive the same specialized treatment they would have gotten if they traveled hours and hours to a more urban hospital with more doctors.

Doctors are utilizing the telemedicine network with a backbone of broadband to help save patients lives when time is of the essence. Broadband allows for the easy transfer of information and communication between people in need.

Telemedicine helps experts treat stroke from afar (USA Today)

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