Question

A 72-year-old woman with sudden right-sided weakness and aphasia is brought to the emergency department 90 minutes after symptom onset. BP is 165/95 mmHg, blood glucose 7.0 mmol/L and CT brain shows no haemorrhage. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Administer IV thrombolysis with alteplase after confirming eligibility

Answer

Start aspirin immediately and admit to stroke unit

Answer

Arrange MRI brain and delay treatment until results are available

Answer

Lower BP rapidly to <120/80 mmHg then consider thrombolysis

Answer

Discharge home as symptoms are likely to resolve spontaneously

Practice question

A 72-year-old woman with sudden right-sided weakness and aphasia is brought to the emergency department 90 minutes after symptom onset. BP is 165/95 mmHg, blood glucose 7.0 mmol/L and CT brain shows no haemorrhage. What is the most appropriate next step in management?