Acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is a medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Over the past 25 years, the treatment of acute ischemic stroke has dramatically evolved. Currently, ischemic brain reperfusion is possible with pharmacologic, endovascular, and combined treatments. More recently, the use of advanced imaging allows identifying patients with salvageable ischemic brain tissue beyond the classic time-based window (tissue-based window) who benefit from reperfusion treatments. Stroke patients also benefit from monitoring in dedicated stroke units. This specialized environment is ideal for the detection and treatment of neurological deterioration and potential complications, and the timely institution of secondary prevention treatments and rehabilitation. This chapter aims to provide an updated and practical evidence-based guidance to the initial evaluation and treatment of acute stroke patients.