Stroke Care at the Speed of Technology

Each year in the United States, someone experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, making it one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability.

When it comes to stroke care, every second matters – time is brain – and access to the right expertise can make all the difference. Today, advances in telemedicine are transforming how quickly patients receive life-saving care.

Learn how Telestroke services at MyMichigan Health bring experts to your bedside when every second counts.

What is Telestroke?

Telestroke is a specialized form of telemedicine that connects patients experiencing stroke symptoms with stroke experts in real time using secure video technology.

When a patient arrives in the emergency department, the care team can quickly consult with a remote stroke expert who evaluates the patient, reviews brain imaging and helps guide immediate treatment decisions. This rapid access to expertise ensures patients receive timely, evidence-based care.

What are the benefits of Telestroke?

Speed is everything in stroke care. Telestroke helps reduce delays by streamlining decision-making and ensuring patients receive the right care as quickly as possible.

Key benefits of Telestroke services include:

• Faster treatment: Reduces “door-to-needle” time for clot-busting medications.
• Access to expertise: Connects rural and underserved hospitals with specialized stroke experts.
• Improved outcomes: Timely, expert decision-making leads to better recovery and reduced disability.

Stroke Care at MyMichigan Health

MyMichigan Health provides advanced stroke care across its 26-county service area, with multiple medical centers designated as certified stroke centers, and the only comprehensive stroke center serving the Great Lakes Bay Region and northeast Michigan.

Emergency departments throughout the health system follow standardized, evidence-based protocols to ensure consistent, high-quality care. In addition, many MyMichigan Medical Centers participate in a Telestroke Program in partnership with University of Michigan Health—a collaboration that has spanned 10 years and continues to enhance timely access to expert stroke care.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the future of stroke care. Telestroke is a powerful example of how innovation can break down barriers, expand access and ultimately save lives—delivering expert care at the speed patients need most.

Those interested in understanding their personal risk for stroke may visit www.mymichigan.org/stroke to take MyMichigan’s free, online assessment.

Dr. Faith Fuentes is a neurologist and stroke program medical director for MyMichigan Health.