Neurologic emergencies usually involve altered mental status. It is not uncommon to find a patient who doesn't realize various complaints are stroke related and may offer only one complaint, downplaying or not recognizing the other signs of a stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Half of all patients hospitalized for acute neurological disease are stroke patients.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
Prior to 1995, most of the medical community considered the management of stroke to be largely supportive care. New treatment for acute ischemic stroke has the potential to dramatically improve quality of life by reducing disability caused by stroke. This short time frame makes it very important for pre-hospital personnel and dispatchers to rapidly recognize stroke symptoms, then quickly transport the patient to an appropriate stroke facility. EMS personnel should radio into Medical Control to alert the recieving hospital early that the patient may be suffering a stroke, so specialists will be prepared to intervene. EMS personnel can also help with public education to raise the community awareness about stroke.