Acute ischemic stroke management review for the hospitalist

Abstract

The treatment of acute ischemic stroke is dependent on timely recognition. After ensuring airway, respiratory and circulatory stability, NIHSS should be performed and urgent CT scan obtained. If no exclusions exist, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) should be administered as soon as possible. Select patients may be eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. Stroke patients shouldbe admitted to a dedicated stroke service to determine stroke mechanism, manage risk factors, and initiate preventive therapies.