How Mobile Stroke Units Are Revolutionizing Stroke Care

Why Aren't Mobile Stroke Units More Widely Used?

Mobile Stroke Units Can Save Lives

🌊 Life is full of unpredictable twists and turns, just like sailing on Lake Erie. Bill Buckles, a seasoned sailor, experienced this firsthand when he had a stroke while out on the water. Thanks to the quick actions and advanced technology of a mobile stroke unit (MSU), he received life-saving treatment. This remarkable incident highlights the incredible impact that MSUs are having on stroke care.

At the Shore: The Power of Mobile Stroke Units

⚡️ When Buckles’s boat reached the shore, the MSU was waiting to provide urgent care. Equipped with imaging technology and specialized medical professionals, these units are designed to deliver the best possible treatment for stroke patients. The team swiftly conducted a CT scan, which revealed bleeding on Buckles’ brain from a burst blood vessel, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. Within just 30 minutes of experiencing symptoms, Buckles received the appropriate medications and oxygen to reverse the stroke’s effects.

🏥 According to Dr. Blake Buletko, a vascular neurologist at Cleveland Clinic who was part of Buckles’ recovery team, the MSU played a vital role in his exceptional recovery. Buckles still experiences some tingling in his right side, but his progress has been nothing short of remarkable.

💡 The importance of timely stroke treatment cannot be overstated. With every passing minute, millions of neurons, billions of synapses, and miles of myelinated fibers carrying vital information through the central nervous system are being destroyed. The brain ages 3.6 years every hour, and irreversible brain damage unfolds within minutes. That’s why the saying in stroke care goes, “Time is brain.”

🌟 A 2021 review of seven U.S. cities demonstrated better outcomes for ischemic stroke (caused by a blockage) after 90 days, with reduced disability rates and improved mobility. Cleveland Clinic’s MSU has transported approximately 2,600 patients since 2014, providing critical treatment faster than traditional emergency room approaches.

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Why Aren’t MSUs Everywhere?

❓ Despite the undeniable success and impact of MSUs, they are still not widely available in the United States. Only 21 cities offer these advanced units, and this lack of widespread adoption is unfortunate. Dr. James Grotta, director of stroke research at the Clinical Institute for Research and Innovation, explains that although the effectiveness of MSUs has been proven, cost remains a significant hurdle. Building and operating an MSU can cost around $1 million annually, and most insurance providers, including Medicare, do not cover these expenses.

💸 MSUs rely on donations and funding from generous individuals or institutions. While Houston has obtained benefactors to expand its program, many medical centers lack the financial resources to establish or sustain an MSU. In fact, a hospital system in Toledo, Ohio, had to decommission its MSU after six years due to funding challenges.

💼 Dr. Buletko and Dr. Grotta believe that insurance companies could ultimately save money by covering MSU expenses since they would lead to reduced spending on hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term care. However, until adequate reimbursement is established, widespread proliferation of MSUs will likely remain a challenge.

Back on Board

⛵️ Bill Buckles could not be more grateful for the MSU that saved his life and enabled him to continue pursuing his passions. Seven months after his stroke, Buckles remains independent and actively engaged in sailing, coaching, and enjoying life. Although he still experiences some challenges with his right hand, he maintains a positive outlook and appreciates the opportunity to be with the people he loves.

🙌🏻 The successful outcome of Buckles’ story is just one example of how MSUs are revolutionizing stroke care. By providing rapid and specialized treatment, these units are saving lives and improving outcomes for stroke patients across the country. The hope is that in the future, MSUs will become more accessible, ensuring that anyone in need can benefit from this life-saving technology.

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😃 Share this article with your friends and family to spread awareness about the impact of mobile stroke units. Together, we can save lives and improve stroke care around the world!