A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when normal blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The interruption can occur because a clot blocks the normal flow of blood, or because an artery bursts and the blood cannot reach the brain tissue normally. When the right amount of blood is not delivered to the brain, brain cells die. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and in the state of Maine. Getting immediate medical care is critical to reducing the risk of disability and even death.
EMMC’s stroke center is one of our centers of excellence and EMMC’s Tele-Stroke service connects providers (and their patients) in distant hospitals to stroke specialists in Bangor.
Together, the local provider and EMMC neurologist will:
- Perform a neurological exam of the patient
- Interact with the patient and family
- Determine the appropriateness of clot-dissolving medication administration
- Determine the most appropriate level and location of continuing care and facilitate transfers if needed
Time lost is brain loss. EMMC’s Tele-Stroke service saves valuable time and can make a significant difference in ensuring the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are administered quickly and efficiently.