Garden Park Medical Center Is Proud to Be Part of the Tulane Medical Center TeleStroke Network.

Tulane Medical Center’s TeleStroke network provides Garden Park Medical Center’s physicians and patients 24-hour access to stroke experts and specialized services not otherwise available.

Advanced videoconferencing systems allow Tulane Medical Center stroke specialists to be “in the room” with the patient and doctor at Garden Park Medical Center’s Emergency Room. Tulane’s stroke specialists help to evaluate the patient and consult on diagnosis, treatment or appropriate transfer. The goal is to keep patients near their family and friends and only transfer patients when specialized care is needed.  

How TeleStroke Works

Using video conferencing technology, the TeleStroke process is similar to communicating via a Web cam. The ER team can see the stroke team and the stroke team can see the patient and ER team. Both teams use one set of protocols to perform the evaluation and begin treatment.

Step 1: EMS personnel begin assessing the stroke patient during the trip to the hospital.

Step 2: After the patient arrives at the emergency department, ER personnel quickly perform diagnostic tests and an initial assessment.

Step 3: The ER physician or Tulane Medical Center neurologist (who has received a call from the emergency department) initiates a secure video conference using computer monitors located in both the emergency department and at Tulane Medical Center.

Step 4: A Tulane Medical Center neurologist or neurosurgeon conducts a virtual, real-time neurological exam in collaboration with the ER physician. Via video, the stroke expert can communicate with the patient and ER physician. As part of the consultation brain images (CT Scans) are also reviewed to ensure excellent care.

Step 5: Together the ER physician and Tulane Medical Center decide on the best treatment. If appropriate, the ER physician administers a clot-busting drug. Patients often remain in their local hospitals. In some cases, patients are transferred to a specialized care center, such as Tulane Medical Center.

Common Stroke Symptoms

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Use the F.A.S.T. method for recognizing and responding to stroke symptoms:

F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 911 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital.