Stroke and TIA

Stroke

An interruption of blood flow to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by blood clots that inhibit blood flow to the brain.

Thrombotic Stroke

A subtype of ischemic stroke where a blood clot forms inside the brain.

Embolic Stroke

A subtype of ischemic stroke where a blood clot forms elsewhere in the body and lodges in the brain.

Inter-cranial Pressure (ICP)

Increased pressure within the skull that can lead to brain swelling and further injury.

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS)

A tool used to evaluate facial droop, arm drift, and speech to assess stroke likelihood.

Portland Prehospital Stroke Screen

A screening tool that accounts for altered mental status as a symptom of stroke.

Cincinnati Stroke Triage Assessment Tool (CSTAT)

A tool used to determine the chance of large vessel occlusion in stroke patients.

Primary Assessment

An initial evaluation to ensure the patient is alive and assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

Altered Mental Status

A key symptom of stroke characterized by confusion or changes in consciousness.

Rapid Transport

The urgent transfer of a stroke patient to a hospital for definitive care.

IV Access

Establishing intravenous access to facilitate treatment upon arrival at the hospital.

Scene Size-Up

An initial assessment of the scene to ensure safety and gather information about the patient.

Definitive Care

The specialized treatment provided at a hospital that EMS cannot perform in the field.