A 69-year-old man with acute left hemiparesis and dysphasia presents within 2 hours of onset. CT brain shows no haemorrhage and he is a candidate for ...

Question

A 69-year-old man with acute left hemiparesis and dysphasia presents within 2 hours of onset. CT brain shows no haemorrhage and he is a candidate for IV thrombolysis. His blood pressure is 210/120 mmHg and capillary glucose is normal. According to Stroke Foundation guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate blood pressure management?

Accepted Answer

Lower blood pressure to below 185/110 mmHg with intravenous antihypertensives then administer thrombolysis

Answer

Proceed with thrombolysis at current blood pressure

Answer

Lower blood pressure to below 140/90 mmHg before thrombolysis

Answer

Avoid lowering blood pressure before thrombolysis

Answer

Delay all treatment until blood pressure normalises spontaneously

au-racp MCQ (SBA): Acute ischaemic stroke thrombolysis