How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Stroke Care

A health article by Rodrick Dizon, MD, a neurologist at the Bronson Neuroscience Center

A stroke is a serious health problem that is caused when blood flow to the brain is stopped or slowed down, leading to brain cell death. This can happen if the blood vessels that bring blood to the brain get blocked (ischemic stroke) or if a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke).

Both types of strokes can damage brain tissue and can affect how the body works, like moving, talking, thinking and feeling. It's crucial to get help right away when someone has a stroke to lessen brain damage. However, it can be hard to figure out and treat a stroke precisely because of how quickly it needs to be diagnosed to start treatment.
Today, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) provide new tools to help improve stroke care. AI can look at all of the data, find patterns and make accurate predictions. In stroke care, AI is now assisting doctors and nurses in many ways.

Diagnosis:

AI algorithms, like the Rapid Software used by Bronson Healthcare, look at brain imaging scans (CT, MRI) for faster and more accurate stroke detection. For example, Rapid AI can quickly tell when a blood vessel is blocked, which allows our care team at Bronson to confirm the type and severity of stroke and initiate treatment more quickly.

Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring:

AI-equipped Telehealth carts help doctors assess stroke patients in real-time. This is especially helpful for people who live far away from stroke specialists but need to be seen. AI-powered algorithms can analyze symptoms, vital signs and imaging results sent via telemedicine platforms. Bronson Battle Creek Hospital uses utilizes this technology to help make informed treatment decisions and determine if the patient should be transferred to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Other up-and-coming AI-driven technologies, like robotics and virtual reality, also offer promising solutions to help stroke survivors recover. As a healthcare system dedicated to delivering comprehensive stroke care Bronson is embracing AI to assist our medical teams in making stroke care more effective and more accessible for everyone in our region.

Stroke Care at Bronson

Strokes can be treated across the entire Bronson system. No matter which Bronson hospital someone chooses, emergency teams are prepared to diagnose a stroke and begin immediate treatment to reduce the severity of a stroke and improve recovery. If needed, Bronson Battle Creek, LakeView and South Haven will transfer stroke patients needing advanced care to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Get to Know Dr. Dizon

Dr. Dizon is driven by a simple motto: "To treat every patient as I would like to be treated." With a background in health education, he specializes in neurology, finding fulfillment in diagnosing and treating conditions to improve patients' lives. Dr. Dizon, who is fluent in Tagalog (Filipino), provides compassionate care and takes pride in supporting patients from a variety of backgrounds. At Bronson Healthcare, he collaborates with specialists to provide immediate, life-saving stroke care.

For more information on stroke care at Bronson visit bronsonhealth.com/stroke.