How to assess a stroke by video (telestroke)
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Telestroke brings a stroke expert to hospitals without one on site. Fast, clear teamwork can allow clot-busting treatment in time.
Step by step
Connect quickly
Join the video call as soon as possible and confirm patient identity with the bedside team. [1]
Get the timeline
Find the time the patient was last known well. This guides treatment choices. [1]
Check key data
Confirm blood glucose, blood pressure, medicines such as blood thinners and the CT result. [1]
Do the NIHSS
Guide the bedside nurse to help with the stroke scale while you watch on camera. [1]
Make a plan
Decide on clot-busting medicine and transfer for clot removal with the local team. [1]
Talk with the family
Explain risks and benefits in plain words. [2]
Document the care
Record times, findings and decisions made by video. [1]
Common errors
- Not confirming the last known well time.
- Skipping the blood glucose check.
- Poor camera position during the stroke scale.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- HHS, telehealth.hhs.gov best practices
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
Facts and steps follow HHS, telehealth.hhs.gov best practices. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.