Lesson 1Early complications of stroke and prevention: hemorrhagic transformation, aspiration pneumonia, malignant edema and monitoring strategiesThis lesson covers early stroke problems like bleeding in the brain, lung infections from choking, and dangerous brain swelling, with tips on watching closely, stopping them before they start, and calling in neurosurgery or ICU help fast.
Hemorrhagic transformation risk factorsAspiration screening and pneumonia preventionRecognition of malignant cerebral edemaNeurosurgical options and decompressionStandardized neurologic monitoring protocolsLesson 2Acute imaging selection and interpretation: noncontrast CT, CT angiography, CT perfusion, MRI DWI/FLAIR basicsLearn how to pick and quickly read scans like plain CT, CT vessel scans, CT blood flow scans, and basic MRI stroke sequences, spotting bleeds, blocked vessels, salvageable brain tissue, and using simple scan guides in the emergency room.
Noncontrast CT for hemorrhage and early signsCT angiography for large vessel occlusionCT perfusion and core–penumbra conceptsMRI DWI/FLAIR mismatch and wake-up strokeImaging-based treatment decision pathwaysLesson 3Antithrombotic decisions when atrial fibrillation is present and anticoagulation status unknownHandles clot-prevention choices when heart rhythm issues like AF are suspected but blood thinner status is unclear, covering reversal options, when to start thinners, and short-term platelets or heparin plans.
Clarifying prior anticoagulant exposureUse of coagulation assays and drug levelsReversal strategies when status is unclearTiming of anticoagulation after strokeBridging with antiplatelet or heparinLesson 4Clinical presentation and localization of focal deficits (motor, language, visual)Looks at common and unusual stroke signs in movement, speech, and sight, matching them to blood vessel areas, with handy bedside tips to pinpoint issues for scans, treatment, and outcome talks.
Common motor patterns and vascular territoriesLanguage syndromes and dominant hemisphereVisual field defects and occipital pathwaysBrainstem and cerebellar stroke signsNeglect, apraxia, and higher cortical deficitsLesson 5Key guideline sources and landmark reviews for acute stroke (with year identifiers)Lists main stroke guidelines and big studies with their years and key points, to back up smart choices on clot-busters, clot removal, and stroke care setups.
Major AHA/ASA acute stroke guidelinesEuropean and international guideline highlightsPivotal IV thrombolysis trials and yearsLandmark thrombectomy trials and yearsResources for ongoing updates and reviewsLesson 6Time windows for reperfusion therapy: IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy criteria and contraindicationsExplains time limits and who qualifies for drip clot-busters or machine clot removal, including scan-based picks, no-go factors, longer windows, and safe handling of tricky cases.
Standard IV thrombolysis time windowsExtended-window thrombolysis selectionMechanical thrombectomy core criteriaMajor contraindications to reperfusionHandling uncertain onset or wake-up strokeLesson 7Blood pressure targets before and after reperfusion therapies and when to defer loweringCovers blood pressure goals before and after clot treatments, when pushing it down harms, best drugs and adjustments, and tailoring for tough or shaky patients.
Pre-thrombolysis blood pressure thresholdsPost-thrombolysis blood pressure goalsBlood pressure goals after thrombectomyWhen to defer blood pressure loweringIV antihypertensive choices and titrationLesson 8Laboratory tests and cardiac evaluation in hyperacute stroke: glucose, CBC, coagulation, electrolytes, ECG, troponinOutlines must-do blood and heart tests in urgent stroke like sugar levels, full blood count, clotting, salts, heart tracing, and heart damage markers, and how odd results affect treatment safety and outlook.
Critical point-of-care tests in the EDCoagulation studies and thrombolysis safetyElectrolyte and metabolic derangementsECG patterns and atrial fibrillation detectionTroponin elevation and neurocardiac injuryLesson 9Stroke mimics vs true ischemic stroke: seizures, hypoglycemia, migraine, Bell palsyTells apart fake strokes from real ones like fits, low sugar, bad headaches, and face weakness, with bedside hints, scan roles, and safe steps when unsure.
Seizure and postictal deficits as mimicsHypoglycemia and metabolic encephalopathyMigraine aura and hemiplegic migrainePeripheral facial palsy versus central signsImaging and labs to distinguish mimicsLesson 10When to call neurology/stroke team and criteria for ICU or stroke unit transferGuides when to call brain specialists or stroke teams, ICU vs stroke ward needs, based on blood flow stability, breathing risks, lesion size, and treatments.
Immediate stroke team activation triggersInformation to provide on initial consultICU admission criteria in acute strokeStroke unit or step-down indicationsReassessment and transfer escalation pathwaysLesson 11Initial ED stabilization: airway, breathing, circulation, blood pressure management, glucose correctionSums up first emergency steps for stroke suspects: secure airway, support breathing and blood flow, handle pressure, fix sugar, keeping doors open for clot treatments.
Rapid primary survey and stroke triageAirway protection and oxygen targetsCirculatory support and IV accessBlood pressure management in the EDGlucose assessment and safe correction
