In this study out of UCSF, patients were surveyed as to see if they would prefer treatment with fibrinolytic (TPA) therapy in the event of a stroke. Adults over 50 years of age read a scenario where they suffered a stroke and were brought to the emergency department by paramedics. The risks and benefits of TPA therapy […]

Take a moment to review part 1 and part 2. Now we’ll take a more in-depth look at the Circle of Willis. This is a type of anastomosis, or connection between vessels, which helps preserve blood flow in the brain. Let’s look at some images, first in context of how the Circle is situated in […]

This study regarding EMS determining last known normal is set to be published this month in ‘Stroke’. In the abstract the authors compared the Last Known Normal time of stroke patients as determined by EMS to the Last Known Normal time as determined by a neurologist. In 91% of cases the EMS-determined time was within 15 minutes […]

Recently we posted this case study. Highly suspicious for Bell’s Palsy (7th cranial, or facial, nerve paralysis). Let’s look at the photo below showing the facial nerve, the facial muscles it innervates, and some common signs/symptoms: Image credit   In the case study we saw right-sided paralysis and if you look at the patient’s photo […]