For Healthcare Providers

Training of an effective “stroke team” is crucial to the successful treatment of acute stroke patients.

All eligible patients with ischemic stroke presenting within 3 hours (some patients qualify up to 4.5 hours – see IV tPA Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria) of documented onset (last time when neurologically intact) should be considered for treatment. Consider a telemedicine consultation for any cerebrovascular emergency such as ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Nurses and physicians involved in treatment of stroke should be familiar with and certified in the NIH Stroke Scale. Free online training and certification is available at: http://www.nihstrokescale.org/.

Stroke Treatment Goals:

• Door to physician evaluation: 10 minutes
• Door to CT time: 25 minutes
• Door to IV tPA bolus time: < than 60 minutes