Stroke Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stroke, including details on treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, signs, symptoms.

tPA by telephone: extending the benefits of a comprehensive stroke center.

Frey JL, Jahnke HK, Goslar PW, Partovi S, Flaster MS

Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.

The use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in community hospitals has been limited by a lack of neurologic support. The authors developed a telephone network to support community emergency departments (EDs) in the use of tPA. Their experience demonstrates equivalent results for patients treated by telephone and those treated in-house. Their number of tPA-treated patients increased 72%. Requirements included willingness of community EDs to use tPA and willingness of the stroke center to provide support.

Published 11 January 2005 in Neurology, 64(1): 154-6.
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