Telestroke to the Rescue

Quick Access to Specialty Care in Dawson

Strokes, if not treated immediately, can be devastating. They can alter speech, the ability to learn and understand, and paralyze one side of the body. If you need immediate care, driving to St. Cloud or the Metro is not an option.

Through Telestroke, you can still receive care from a neurology specialist right here in Dawson. The system allows our emergency department doctors to connect digitally in real time with a stroke and vascular neurologist at the CentraCare Neuroscience Stroke Center.

The Telestroke equipment consists of a large computer monitor and a camera, which allows the specialist to communicate with Johnson Memorial doctors and examine the patient.

“The key to successful treatment of a stroke is early evaluation and diagnosis which can lead to lifesaving treatment. The new telestroke system allows us to access specialists immediately and begin that treatment quickly if needed” says Dr. Erik Shelstad, medical director for the clinic and care center.

Know your symptoms —

B.E.F.A.S.T.

Balance loss

Eyesight changes

Facial droop or numbness

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time is of the essence

If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. “And if it’s not a stroke,” says Shelstad, “it’s probably something else that they need to come in for anyway, but we do not want people to delay.”