Post-emergency department management of stroke

Acute stroke remains one of the few neurologic emergencies and the third leading cause of mortality in adults. With increased awareness of acute stroke therapies, patients are often arriving in the emergency department (ED) sooner after the onset of stroke. Initiation of acute stroke management often begins in the ED. It is important for emergency physicians to be knowledgeable in the treatment of stroke patients; no longer should the patient be placed in a quiet side room while awaiting admission to a neurologist or primary care physician. Particularly in the era of thrombolytic therapy, there are new considerations in the care of the stroke patient.