Acute Stroke Systems Of Care

Outcomes for individuals with stroke have improved significantly due to the implementation of the Acute Stroke System of Care. The community is better equipped to recognize stroke as a “brain attack,” and there is greater awareness of the importance of medical care within three hours of symptom onset because you will have the opportunity to reverse said symptoms with the fibrinolytic. Likewise, EMS systems have been enhanced to transport individuals to regional stroke care centers that are equipped to administer fibrinolytics.

The FAST acronym is based on the Cincinnati Pre-Hospital Stroke Scale and is used to evaluate when someone is having a stroke.

Goals of Acute Ischemic Stroke Care

Stroke care is concerned with optimizing the patient’s recovery while simultaneously minimizing brain injury from the stroke. By focusing on transporting patients to stroke-capable centers, general results are improved. This is because stroke centers are much better equipped with the facilities and resources that smaller community hospitals may lack. Specialists such as stroke care specialists and neurologists, as well as multidisciplinary teams with advanced imaging modalities and several other therapeutic options, provide the best chances for a stroke victim’s survival and recovery. Within just 10 minutes, these specialized teams can examine and diagnose the patient who is suspected to have had a stroke.