Early Management of Acute Ischaemic Stroke: A Clinical Perspective

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality globally. In the first few hours after ischaemic stroke, the severity and irreversibility of brain injury increase as time passes. The primary goal of the emergent management of acute ischaemic stroke is stabilization and reperfusion of the ischaemic penumbra if eligibility criteria are met and contraindications are ruled out. The primary reperfusion strategies are administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Close monitoring is warranted prior to, during, and after these reperfusion procedures to detect early neurologic deterioration that may signify complications from treatment.