James Grotta, MD

"In general, the message needs to get out to people that hospitals are not alien places. Ambulances aren’t an alien place. If you’re sick, you need to call for help right away.”

Paired with telemedicine, mobile stroke units (MSUs) have become 1 of the most impactful ways to treat stroke victims in a timely manner. Patients with stroke have been able to experience higher rates of thrombolysis, faster alarm to treatment times, and greater functional outcomes when in the presence of MSUs. More and more hospitals and academic centers have begun to incorporate this technology, which in effect can expand the reach that specialists have to save patients with stroke on site.

In a year in which stroke rates were down due to government lockdown, the value of mobile stroke units and telemedicine has never been higher. James Grotta, MD, vascular neurologist, Memorial Hermann Medical Group, believes these 2 innovations will proliferate the most in the coming year. Grotta continued to stress that patients who experience stroke need to reach out for emergency medical services (EMS) so that these ways of care can be effectively utilized.

, Grotta harped on the importance of MCUs and why patients with stroke should not hesitate to seek EMS help. He also outlined why telemedicine and televisits will help patients adhere to a more rigid treatment regimen.

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The vascular neurologist at Memorial Hermann Medical Group explained how clinical stroke care will change in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

James Grotta, MD: The Future of Stroke Care Going into 2021

"COVID-19 has been a pretty big stress for them. Just like many other spheres in our economy and society that have taken a hit, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on these first responders.”

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created concern around stroke care on 2 fronts: an elevated risk for stroke associated with the virus coupled with fear of seeking care for stroke in hospital settings due to potential virus exposure. Both of these have had a substantial impact beyond the patient, with a considerable toll evident among emergency medical services (EMS) providers and those working in the critical care setting. 

With timeliness being a pillar of care in stroke, it is very troubling to see the long-term effects of the pandemic, including clinician burnout and a dwindling EMS pool, 

, James Grotta, MD, a vascular neurologist at Memorial Hermann Medical Group, provides context on some of the major ways that the virus has impacted stroke care.

The vascular neurologist at Memorial Hermann Medical Group discusses how stroke care has been affected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

James Grotta, MD

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James Grotta, MD: The Future of Stroke Care Going into 2021

James Grotta, MD: The Impact of COVID-19 on Stroke Care

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