Every minute counts when stroke, or brain attack, happens. In order to prevent further damage to the brain – or worse – it is crucial to act FAST so treatment can begin.

Hanover Hospital is proud to offer Telestroke, a telemedicine system focused on diagnosing and treating stroke patients quickly. The system enables real-time communication with neurology experts at Penn State Milton S. Hershey’s (HMC) Stroke Center and access to advanced interventions.

Using Telestroke’s sophisticated computer system and webcam, Hershey Medical Center physicians provide consultation that includes examining the patient, reviewing scans and speaking to the patient and family in real-time. The physicians in the Hanover Hospital Emergency Department and at Hershey Medical Center then decide on the appropriate treatment.

The Telestroke computer is also able to send page alerts to HMC with a notification about the impending (or possibility of) transfer. With one click, the computer generates the order for a helicopter dispatch and for a bed assignment at Hershey. This means there are no delays as patients arrive at the Medical Center.

The new Telestroke program is part of the affiliation between Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Hanover Hospital. 



Introducing Telestroke Telemedicine Technology for Stroke – October 1, 2012


How to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke:

Time is Brain so act F.A.S.T.!
F = FACE: look for facial droop by asking the person to smile.
A = ARMS: ask the person to raise their arms. Does one side drift downward?
S = SPEECH: ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the sentence repeated correctly, and does he/she understand what you are asking them to do?
T = TIME: if the person shows any of these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!