Comparison of Acute Stroke Outcomes Between Code Trauma vs Code Stroke Activations

Patients with acute stroke may occasionally present as trauma activations, particularly after being found down or sustaining falls. This atypical presentation can delay diagnosis and treatment. Our objective in this study was to compare time to brain imaging, use of reperfusion therapies, and clinical outcomes, including discharge disposition and mortality, between patients with acute stroke presenting as code trauma activations and those presenting as code stroke activations.

We conducted a retrospective review of all trauma activations at our Level I trauma center from January 2018-December 2024. Patients diagnosed with acute stroke on initial trauma imaging after trauma evaluation formed the code trauma activation (CTA) group. These patients were compared to all patients diagnosed with acute stroke after a code stroke activation (CSA) in 2024. The primary outcome was door-to-imaging time; secondary outcomes included door-to-intervention time, discharge disposition, and mortality.

There were 208 CSA patients and 198 CTA patients. The CTA patients were older (75.3 vs 70.3 years of age, P < .001) and had a higher percentage of hemorrhagic stroke (43.9% vs 14.4%, P < .001). The CTA patients had a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (14.44 vs 9.67, P < .001). Despite minimal injuries (mean Injury Severity Score 3.3), CTA patients experienced longer times to initial brain imaging (47.4 vs 24.8 minutes, P < .001). Mean door-to-thrombolysis (50.3 vs 43.7 minutes, P = .19) and door-to-puncture time (98 vs 82 minutes, P =.18) did not differ significantly. The CTA patients had lower rates of discharge home (23.2% vs 42.8%, P < .001) and higher mortality (24.2% vs 12%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, trauma activation itself was not independently associated with mortality (OR 1.57, CI, 0.53-4.27, P =.42). Age, stroke severity scores, hemorrhagic stroke, and early imaging were independently associated with mortality after acute stroke.

Acute stroke patients presenting as trauma activations face significant delays in imaging and lower rates of thrombolytic treatment, despite low injury burden. While trauma activation designation was not independently associated with mortality, delays in imaging and higher hemorrhage prevalence were strongly linked to worse outcomes. These findings highlight modifiable workflow opportunities, particularly streamlined imaging and early stroke recognition in low-impact trauma presentations, to improve delivery of care.