What is the protocol for cases with unknown onset or wake-up stroke?

In cases of unknown onset or wake-up stroke, it is crucial to assess for stroke alert criteria because timely evaluation can significantly impact patient outcomes. Recognizing stroke symptoms, regardless of whether the onset is known, enables emergency responders to initiate appropriate treatment protocols which may include advanced imaging studies to determine the viability of intervention.

Assessing for stroke alert criteria includes checking for symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, vision problems, and difficulty walking. This step is essential to classify the patient’s condition, even if the exact time of symptom onset is unclear.

Prompt evaluation can lead to a faster diagnosis, allowing for potential use of therapies like thrombolytics or thrombectomy, depending on the specifics of the case, further emphasizing the importance of this assessment even when the time frame is unknown.