Severity-Based Stroke Triage: Key Concepts
EMSA Assessment
This course is based on the premise that earlier identification of strokes will lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Materials covered include:
• Severity-Based Stroke Triage and why the Alabama Stroke System is incorporating it
• Why it matters: Treatment options and time windows for acute ischemic stroke
• Key Concepts:
• Stroke versus Stroke mimics
• Large vessel occlusion (LVO)
• The Emergency Medical Stroke Assessment (EMSA)
• Concept of time Last Known Well (LKW)
At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand why the Alabama Stroke System is incorporating severity-based stroke triage
• Recall treatment options for ischemic strokes and the time frame for certain treatment options
• Recognize stroke symptoms and signs and common stroke mimics
• Examine a patient using the EMSA, and interpret the results
• Determine a patient’s LKW time
• Support patients in getting routed to the most suitable location avoiding delays
Presenter:
Toby Gropen, MD, FAHA
Director, UAB Comprehensive
Neurovascular and Stroke Center