What does LVO stand for in stroke assessment?

LVO stands for Large Vessel Occlusion in the context of stroke assessment. This term is crucial for identifying specific types of strokes that may require immediate and often different treatment approaches. Large vessel occlusions typically refer to blockages in the major arteries supplying blood to the brain, such as the internal carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery. Identifying a large vessel occlusion is critical because these types of strokes can lead to more significant neurologic deficits and require urgent intervention, such as thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy, to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage. Prompt recognition of LVO can significantly impact patient outcomes and guide EMS personnel in their management and transport decisions.