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    Mar 23
    Blog: Teleneurology, Including Stroke Care

    Saratoga Hospital's teleneurology services are a welcome addition to our many successful telehealth services. Teleneurology allows us to provide patients 24/7 emergency access to board-certified neurologists who have extensive experience treating strokes. For inpatients with neurological conditions, these skilled neurologists will be available for consults remotely, right at a patient's bedside.

    A stroke is a critical, potentially deadly condition that prevents blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Nearly two million brain cells die every minute the blood flow is blocked. According to the American Stroke Association, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the nation and a leading cause of disability.

    For someone with stroke symptoms, every second counts. Recognizing the signs of stroke is an invaluable step to saving lives, and this simple mnemonic can help: B.E.F.A.S.T.

    • B - Balance. Is there loss of coordination, dizziBE FASTness, trouble walking?
    • E - Eyes. Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes?
    • F - Face. Notice any drooping or numbness, or a lopsided smile?
    • A - Arm. Is one arm weak or numb, or does it drift down if held out?
    • S - Speech. Notice slurring or trouble speaking?
    • T - Terrible headache/Time to call 9-1-1.

    Call if any of these symptoms appear, even if the symptoms stop. With quick observation, B.E.F.A.S.T. can help you identify a stroke in progress so you can call 9-1-1 without delay so responders can rapidly take you or a loved one to the appropriate medical facility. The Stroke Association provides additional information and helpful videos here.

    Should a patient with stroke symptoms enter the Emergency Department here at Saratoga Hospital, the advanced video-conferencing technology of telestroke enables our emergency medicine team to partner with a remote neurologist 24/7 on prompt diagnosis and care. Most patients can be treated with clot-busting medication, but those who need more advanced care are promptly transferred to Albany Medical Center, Saratoga Hospital's affiliate in the Albany Med Health System.

    Patients who require observation and follow-up care, but not emergency interventions, are admitted here and may receive additional teleneurology consultations if needed. Teleneurology helps minimize the need to travel away for care, so patients can stay closer to their homes and families. You can find more information about our teleneurology services here.

    Once a patient is discharged, our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurologist Lindsay Ferraro, MD, a member of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - Neurology, can continue to provide care locally with outpatient services.

    In addition to stroke care, our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group - Neurology team specializes in several disorders that affect the brain or nervous system, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), neuropathy (numbness and burning), Parkinson's disease, and stroke, among others.

    Ultimately, the best treatment for stroke is prevention. Our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group primary care providers and specialists all stand ready to help you and the people you care about manage blood pressure and sugar levels, control cholesterol, lose weight, quit smoking, and eat right. The Stroke Association offers several suggestions for prevention plans, and your healthcare provider can help you determine the treatment and prevention that are right for you. Learn more at SaratogaHospital.org