engleski

Teleneurology

ln 1959 neuropsychiatrist Cecil Watson performed for the first time individual and group psychotherapy using videoconference making teleneurology founder of telemedicine. Nowadays teleneurology has prominent place in telemedicine. Neurology is specialty closely connected with other specialties (radiology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, infectology, epidemiology, internal medicine, biochemistry, pathology etc.) making transfer of data between various specialists obligatory. Special importance teleneurology has in the possibility of connecting smaller hospitals with larger centers. Enabling contacts with smaller hospitals teleneurology makes possible initial emergency assessment of patient's condition making decision about triage and about the need for transfer of patient to another, larger hospital. Besides that, this system enables physicians in smaller hospitals follow-up of patients and modern method of education (usage of data form larger hospitals, transfer of information etc.) Computers enable transfer of all records and pictures collected using computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, ultrasound, conventional radiography, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), transcranial Doppler (TCD), electromioneurography (EMNG), electroencephalography (EEG) etc. Quality of data depends on primary device. Transfer of data and pictures allows contact between various specialists, mainly neurologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons and vascular surgeons. Transfer of data to distant locations depends on existing informatics infrastructure. In cooperation with Croatian Society for Neurovascular Disorders of Croatian Medical Association connection of departments and wards of neurology in hospitals all around Croatia in unique telecommunication network has began. This network, so-called Telestroke model, enables providing of the best possible care for all stroke patients in every part of Croatia, transfer and exchange of all data between various centers, and the possibility of on-line consultation of different specialists and subspecialists. Teleneurology has important role in the field of neurorehabilitation. The use of computers and informatization technologies in neurorehabilitation significantly improves the possibilities and the extent of neurorehabilitation. Computer simulations allowing user the impression that he/she is in real 3D surrounding, exercise with robots, techniques of enhanced learning in real time using audiovisual feedback with patient's movements significantly improves motor coordination and muscle strength, multiplies the effects of conventional physiotherapy in reduction of disability making faster, better and more quality functional recovery of patient. Beside that, informatization technology enables individual adjustment of intensity and extent of rehabilitation. Teleneurology allows interdisciplinary approach to every neurological patient and guarantees that diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up of patients will be in concordance with latest medical knowledge because teleneurology enables making contacts with needed specialists in Croatia and all around the world in every moment.

teleneurology; stroke; neurorehabilitation

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