Question

A 63-year-old man presents to the emergency department 90 minutes after sudden onset of right-sided weakness and aphasia. CT head shows no haemorrhage. NIHSS is 12. According to the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations, which management step is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Administer intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase if no contraindications

Answer

Start high-dose intravenous heparin infusion immediately

Answer

Defer thrombolysis and arrange CT angiography within 24 hours

Answer

Begin aspirin 81 mg daily only and arrange outpatient MRI

Answer

Delay treatment until MRI confirms infarct size

Practice question

A 63-year-old man presents to the emergency department 90 minutes after sudden onset of right-sided weakness and aphasia. CT head shows no haemorrhage. NIHSS is 12. According to the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations, which management step is most appropriate?