Stroke Telemedicine Services

Time is of the essence when treating patients who are experiencing a stroke. For patients located outside of Pittsburgh, UPMC's Telestroke Program brings world-class stroke specialists to their local hospitals.

We provide:

• Real-time assessments of stroke patients, saving valuable time on transporting them to other facilities
• Consults on the use of blood thinners, increasing the number of stroke patients treated with IV tPA
• Access to a vascular neurologist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
• Advanced therapies and specialized treatment to help patients recover physical and cognitive function

How Telestroke Works

Telestroke uses videoconferencing technology to link emergency department (ED) physicians and experts at the UPMC Stroke Institute.

Featuring a computer monitor and remote-controlled camera that allows for two-way audio and video communication, UPMC stroke experts in Pittsburgh can:

• See and assess the patient in real time
• Ask questions of the patient, family members, and local ED staff
• View CT scans
• Help ED physicians determine if the patient is a candidate for acute stroke therapy, including intravenous tPA 

In addition to IV tPA, acute neurological intervention treatment is available that can also improve outcomes and decrease patient disability.

Learn More

• Get answers to frequently asked questions about telemedicine.
• Contact us about telestroke services at UPMC.