Symptoms and noncontrast CT scan (focal hypodensity) of head consistent with ischemic stroke:
If it’s been over 24 hours → standard post ischemic stroke management:
Antiplatelet therapy (perform rapid bedside dysphagia screening first!)
Investigate for embolic source
If less than 4.5 hrs → give thrombolysis (like TPA) if eligible; obtain CTA of head and neck
If 4.5 to 24 hr → no thrombolysis; obtain CTA of head and neck
Head and neck CTA:
large vessel occlusion present → mechanical thrombectomy
LVO absent → standard post ischemic stroke management
