Acute stroke organization in emergency services

Abstract

Health systems worldwide categorize health facilities according to the feasibility of acute stroke treatment and, if feasible, the level of this treatment. This type of organization starts with screening, identifying, and referring patients to suitable health facilities in the pre-hospital period and continues with emergency intervention in health facilities, followed by practices during the hospitalization process. This strategy ensures that patients receive the most appropriate treatment in the fastest way with the most appropriate use of resources. The diagnosis of stroke in the emergency service rests on the bedrock of a focused, accurate history and physical examination. What needs to be done must be built on this foundation. Additionally, time is a critical component in the care of stroke patients. The emergency physician should quickly establish the onset of the patient's symptoms. What needs to be done should be a checklist and done according to the timeline because time is important for all diagnosis and treatment steps. Early 911 activation, early diagnosis, and early thrombolytic and endovascular treatment are lifesaving points for stroke patients.