Overview
What are the signs and symptoms of ischemic stroke?
What are the goals of a neurologic exam in patients with suspected ischemic stroke?
What are the components of a neurologic exam for ischemic stroke?
When is a lumbar puncture indicated in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of lab testing in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What are the goals for the emergent management of ischemic stroke?
What is the focus of emergent treatment decisions for ischemic stroke?
Which specialists should be involved in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What are the treatment options for ischemic stroke?
Which treatments may be administered to patients with ischemic stroke and comorbidities?
What is primary stroke prevention?
What is secondary prevention of ischemic stroke?
What is the incidence of ischemic stroke and what is the annual cost?
How are ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke differentiated?
How is ischemic stroke categorized?
How is large-artery ischemic stroke characterized?
How common is cardioembolic infarction ischemic stroke?
How is the small vessel or lacunar ischemic stroke characterized?
What is the role of recanalization in the treatment of ischemia?
What are the guidelines for rt-PA in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What are secondary aspects of treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
How is venous infarction differentiated from acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
How is blood supplied to the cerebral hemisphere?
What is the posterior cerebral arterial distribution in the anatomy of ischemic stroke?
How are the cerebral hemispheres supplied in the anatomy of ischemic stroke?
What is the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
What is the role of ischemic penumbra in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of cytotoxic edema in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of cerebral ischemia in the pathogenesis of stroke?
What is the role of infarction in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of hemorrhagic transformation in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke?
What are the mechanisms for hemorrhagic transformation in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke?
When is hemorrhagic transformation most likely to occur in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of cerebral edema in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of large-artery occlusion in the etiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the pathogenesis of lacunar ischemic stroke?
What is the etiology of ischemic stroke?
What are the risk factors for ischemic stroke?
Which nonmodifiable factors increase the risk for ischemic stroke?
Are migraines with aura a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke?
Which modifiable factors increase the risk for ischemic stroke?
What are the AHA/ASA recommendations for reduction of stroke risk in women?
What is the role of atherosclerosis in the etiology of ischemic stroke?
Which genetic factors increase susceptibility to ischemic stroke?
What is the role of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of amyloid angiopathies in the etiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of CADASIL in the etiology of ischemic stroke?
Which genetic mutations are associated with ischemic stroke?
What causes lacunar infarcts in ischemic stroke?
What are the causes of cardiogenic emboli in ischemic stroke?
What is the etiology of thrombotic stroke?
What is the role of vascular watershed infarcts in the etiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of cerebral blood flow disturbances in the etiology of ischemic stroke?
What is the incidence of ischemic stroke in the US and globally?
What are the race-related variances in the incidence of ischemic stroke?
How does the incidence of ischemic stroke differ between males and females?
How does the incidence and risk for ischemic stroke vary among age groups?
What is the strongest predictor of early mortality risk in patients with ischemic stroke?
Which factors are associated with poor outcome in ischemic stroke?
Which factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are associated with poor outcomes?
What is the degree of recovery for patients with ischemic stroke?
According to the ASA, what are the easily recognizable symptoms of stroke?
What are the warning signs of stroke?
Presentation
What history should be elicited in younger patients with suspected ischemic stroke?
What are signs and symptoms of stroke?
Which factors contribute to delays in seeking care for ischemic stroke?
How is the time of onset defined if the patient awakens with symptoms of stroke?
What are the goals of the physical exam in suspected ischemic stroke?
What should be included in the physical exam for suspected ischemic stroke?
Why is constant reassessment necessary for patients with suspected ischemic stroke?
What is the role of vital sign monitoring in the assessment of suspected ischemic stroke?
Which cardiac conditions may be concurrent with ischemic stroke?
How might aortic dissection be identified in patients with ischemic stroke?
What are the goals of the neurologic exam for ischemic stroke?
Which evaluations should be included in the neurologic exam for ischemic stroke?
What is the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and how is it performed?
What is the clinical presentation of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions in ischemic stroke?
What is the clinical presentation of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) occlusions in ischemic stroke?
What is the clinical presentation of posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusions in ischemic stroke?
What is the clinical presentation of vertebrobasilar artery occlusions in ischemic stroke?
How is a posterior circulation stroke differentiated from an anterior circulation stroke?
What is the clinical presentation of lacunar ischemic stroke?
DDX
Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of ischemic stroke?
What clinical findings help differentiate hemorrhagic stroke from ischemic stroke?
What is cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
What are the differential diagnoses for ischemic stroke?
Workup
What is the role of brain imaging studies in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of MRI in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of carotid duplex scanning in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of digital subtraction angiography in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of lab testing in the workup of ischemic stroke?
Which lab tests may be useful in the workup of select patients with suspected ischemic stroke?
When is a pregnancy test indicated in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is calculated using either perfusion MRI or CT scanning in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What are the AAN recommendations for imaging studies in the workup of ischemic stroke?
Which imaging findings have been correlated with increased infarct volume size in ischemic stroke?
What is the role of chest radiography in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of SPECT scanning in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of angiography in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of a CBC and a basic chemistry panel in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of coagulation studies in the workup of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of cardiac biomarkers in the workup of ischemic stroke?
When is a pregnancy test performed in the workup of ischemic stroke?
Treatment
What is the central goal of therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
What is the goal of recanalization strategies in the treatment for ischemic stroke?
What is the role of surgical intervention in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
What are neuroprotective strategies in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of palliative care in the treatment for ischemic stroke?
What clinical education is needed for EMTs, physicians, and nurses of patients with ischemic stroke?
Which actions improve the chances for acute intervention in patients with ischemic stroke?
Which patients with ischemic stroke are most likely to use emergency medical services (EMS)?
What is the protocol for emergency medical services (EMS) response to stroke?
What is the goal for the emergent management of ischemic stroke?
How should hyperthermia be treated in patients with ischemic stroke?
What is the role of supplemental oxygen in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
How should hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia be treated in patients with ischemic stroke?
Which fibrinolytic agent has been shown to benefit patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
What are the AHA/ASA inclusion guidelines for fibrinolytic therapy with rt-PA for ischemic stroke?
How effective is fibrinolytic therapy 3-4.5 hours after symptom onset in ischemic stroke?
What is the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage with fibrinolysis therapy for ischemic stroke?
What is the role of ultrasound in fibrinolysis therapy in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What are the benefits of aspirin and other antiplatelet agents in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of antihypertensive treatment for ischemic stroke?
What are possible adverse effects of antihypertensive treatment for ischemic stroke?
How effective is oral candesartan in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
How effective is antihypertensive medication in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
How effective is the Penumbra System for the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS)?
When are antipyretics indicated in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What is role of high-dose acetaminophen in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What is the occurrence of cerebral edema after ischemic stroke?
What does the presence of ischemia on presentation suggest in ischemic stroke?
What treatment is indicated for a patient with rapidly decompensating ischemic stroke?
What is the role of anticoagulation in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of neuroprotective agents in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What is the role of hypothermia in the early treatment of ischemic stroke?
What are the AHA/ASA guidelines for the primary prevention of ischemic stroke?
What is secondary prevention of ischemic stroke?
What may increase the success of interventions for prevention of ischemic stroke?
When is aspirin recommended for primary prevention of ischemic stroke?
What do the AHA/ASA guidelines emphasize for secondary prevention of stroke?
How effective is dual antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke?
What is the code stroke ED protocol for treatment of possible ischemic stroke?
What performance measures should be evaluated in hospitals with specialized stroke teams?
What are the benefits of a stroke system for the management of ischemic stroke?
Which specialist consultations may be warranted for ischemic stroke?
What dietary guidelines should survivors of ischemic stroke follow?
Guidelines
What are the AHA and ASA treatment guidelines for ischemic stroke?
Medications
Which medications are used in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
What categories of medications are used in the treatment of ischemic stroke?
Which medications in the drug class Vasodilators are used in the treatment of Ischemic Stroke?
Which medications in the drug class ACE Inhibitors are used in the treatment of Ischemic Stroke?
Which medications in the drug class Analgesics, Other are used in the treatment of Ischemic Stroke?
Which medications in the drug class Thrombolytics are used in the treatment of Ischemic Stroke?
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Maximum intensity projection (MIP) image from a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) demonstrates a filling defect or high-grade stenosis at the branching point of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk (red circle), suspicious for thrombus or embolus. CTA is highly accurate in detecting large- vessel stenosis and occlusions, which account for approximately one third of ischemic strokes.
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Axial noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan demonstrates diffuse hypodensity in the right lentiform nucleus with mass effect upon the frontal horn of the right lateral ventricle in a 70-year-old woman with a history of left-sided weakness for several hours.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in a 70-year-old woman with a history of left-sided weakness for several hours. An axial T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image (left) demonstrates high signal in the lentiform nucleus with mass effect. The axial diffusion-weighted image (middle) demonstrates high signal in the same area, with corresponding low signal on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, consistent with true restricted diffusion and an acute infarction. Maximum intensity projection from a 3-dimensional (3-D) time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA, right) demonstrates occlusion of the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk (red circle).
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Cardioembolic stroke: Axial diffusion-weighted images demonstrate scattered foci of high signal in the subcortical and deep white matter bilaterally in a patient with a known cardiac source for embolization. An area of low signal in the left gangliocapsular region may be secondary to prior hemorrhage or subacute to chronic lacunar infarct. Recurrent strokes are most commonly secondary to cardioembolic phenomenon.
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Axial noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrates a focal area of hypodensity in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule in a 60-year-old man with acute onset of right-sided weakness. The lesion demonstrates high signal on the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence (middle image) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (right image), with low signal on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps indicating an acute lacunar infarction. Lacunar infarcts are typically no more than 1.5 cm in size and can occur in the deep gray matter structures, corona radiata, brainstem, and cerebellum.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was obtained in a 62-year-old man with hypertension and diabetes and a history of transient episodes of right-sided weakness and aphasia. The fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image (left) demonstrates patchy areas of high signal arranged in a linear fashion in the deep white matter, bilaterally. This configuration is typical for deep border-zone, or watershed, infarction, in this case the anterior and posterior middle cerebral artery (MCA) watershed areas. The left-sided infarcts have corresponding low signal on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map (right), signifying acuity. An old left posterior parietal infarct is noted as well.
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A 48-year-old man presented with acute left-sided hemiplegia, facial palsy, and right-sided gaze preference. Angiogram with selective injection of the right internal carotid artery demonstrates occlusion of the M1 segment of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and A2 segment of the right anterior cerebral artery (ACA; images courtesy of Concentric Medical).
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Follow-up imaging after mechanical embolectomy in 48-year-old man with acute left-sided hemiplegia, facial palsy, and right-sided gaze preference demonstrates complete recanalization of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and partial recanalization of the right A2 segment (images courtesy of Concentric Medical).
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Cerebral angiogram performed approximately 4.5 hours after symptom onset in a 31-year-old man demonstrates an occlusion of the distal basilar artery (images courtesy of Concentric Medical).
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Image on the left demonstrates deployment of a clot retrieval device (older generation device) in a 31-year-old man. Followup angiogram after embolectomy demonstrates recanalization of the distal basilar artery with filling of the superior cerebellar arteries and posterior cerebral arteries. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms following embolectomy (images courtesy of Concentric Medical).
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Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan in a 52-year-old man with a history of worsening right-sided weakness and aphasia demonstrates diffuse hypodensity and sulcal effacement with mass effect involving the left anterior and middle cerebral artery territories consistent with acute infarction. There are scattered curvilinear areas of hyperdensity noted suggestive of developing petechial hemorrhage in this large area of infarction.
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Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) in a 52-year-old man demonstrates occlusion of the left precavernous supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA, red circle), occlusion or high-grade stenosis of the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk and attenuation of multiple M2 branches. The diffusion-weighted image (right) demonstrates high signal confirmed to be true restricted diffusion on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map consistent with acute infarction.
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Lateral view of a cerebral angiogram illustrates the branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and Sylvian triangle. The pericallosal artery has been described to arise distal to the anterior communicating artery or distal to the origin of the callosomarginal branch of the ACA. The segmental anatomy of the ACA has been described as follows: the A1 segment extends from the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation to the anterior communicating artery; A2 extends to the junction of the rostrum and genu of the corpus callosum; A3 extends into the bend of the genu of the corpus callosum; A4 and A5 extend posteriorly above the callosal body and superior portion of the splenium. The Sylvian triangle overlies the opercular branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), with the apex representing the Sylvian point.
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Frontal projection from a right vertebral artery angiogram illustrates the posterior circulation. The vertebral arteries join to form the basilar artery. The posterior inferior cerebellar arteries (PICAs) arise from the distal vertebral arteries. The anterior inferior cerebellar arteries (AICAs) arise from the proximal basilar artery. The superior cerebellar arteries (SCAs) arise distally from the basilar artery prior to its bifurcation into the posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs).
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Frontal view of a cerebral angiogram with selective injection of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) illustrates the anterior circulation. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) consists of the A1 segment proximal to the anterior communicating artery, with the A2 segment distal to it. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) can be divided into 4 segments: the M1 (horizontal segment) extends to the anterior basal portion of the insular cortex (the limen insulae) and gives off lateral lenticulostriate branches, the M2 (insular segment), M3 (opercular branches), and M4 (distal cortical branches on the lateral hemispheric convexities).
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Regions of interest are selected for arterial and venous input (image on left) for dynamic susceptibility-weighted perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Signal-time curves (image on right) obtained from these regions of interest demonstrate transient signal drop following the administration of intravenous contrast. The information obtained from the dynamic parenchymal signal changes postcontrast is used to generate maps of different perfusion parameters.
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Vascular distributions: Middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scanning demonstrates a large acute infarction in the MCA territory involving the lateral surfaces of the left frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, as well as the left insular and subinsular regions, with mass effect and rightward midline shift. There is sparing of the caudate head and at least part of the lentiform nucleus and internal capsule, which receive blood supply from the lateral lenticulostriate branches of the M1 segment of the MCA. Note the lack of involvement of the medial frontal lobe (anterior cerebral artery [ACA] territory), thalami, and paramedian occipital lobe (posterior cerebral artery [PCA] territory).
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Vascular distributions: Anterior choroidal artery infarction. The diffusion-weighted image (left) demonstrates high signal with associated signal dropout on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map involving the posterior limb of the internal capsule. This is the typical distribution of the anterior choroidal artery, the last branch of the internal carotid artery (ICA) before bifurcating into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The anterior choroidal artery may also arise from the middle cerebral artery (MCA).
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Vascular distributions: Anterior cerebral artery (ACA) infarction. Diffusion-weighted image on the left demonstrates high signal in the paramedian frontal and high parietal regions. The opposite diffusion-weighted image in a different patient demonstrates restricted diffusion in a larger ACA infarction involving the left paramedian frontal and posterior parietal regions. There is also infarction of the lateral temporoparietal regions bilaterally (both middle cerebral artery [MCA] distributions), greater on the left indicating multivessel involvement and suggesting emboli.
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Vascular distributions: Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction. The noncontrast computed tomography (CT) images demonstrate PCA distribution infarction involving the right occipital and inferomedial temporal lobes. The image on the right demonstrates additional involvement of the thalamus, also part of the PCA territory.
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The supratentorial vascular territories of the major cerebral arteries are demonstrated superimposed on axial (left) and coronal (right) T2-weighted images through the level of the basal ganglia and thalami. The middle cerebral artery (MCA; red) supplies the lateral aspects of the hemispheres, including the lateral frontal, parietal, and anterior temporal lobes; insula; and basal ganglia. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA; blue) supplies the medial frontal and parietal lobes. The posterior cerebral artery (PCA; green) supplies the thalami and occipital and inferior temporal lobes. The anterior choroidal artery (yellow) supplies the posterior limb of the internal capsule and part of the hippocampus extending to the anterior and superior surface of the occipital horn of the lateral ventricle.
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- Overview
- Presentation
- DDx
- Workup
- Treatment
- Approach Considerations
- Emergency Response and Transport
- Acute Management of Stroke
- Fibrinolytic Therapy
- Intra-arterial Reperfusion
- Antiplatelet Agents
- Blood Pressure Control
- Mechanical Thrombectomy
- Fever Control
- Cerebral Edema Control
- Seizure Control
- Acute Decompensation
- Anticoagulation and Prophylaxis
- Neuroprotective Agents
- Stroke Prevention
- Specialized Stroke Centers
- Consultations
- Diet
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- Guidelines
- Medication
- Questions & Answers
- Media Gallery
- Tables
- References