if 1 findings abnormal : probability having stroke >72%if 3 findings abnormal : probability having stroke >85%
this scale usually use in prehospital setting.
Once the diagnosis of stroke is suspected, time in the field must be minimized.
The presence of a patient with acute stroke is a “load and go”.
A more extensive examination or initiation of supportive therapies should be accomplished en route to the hospital.
another similar name :
FAST (facial, arm, speech test)
p/s : doctor in emergency department apply this scale during patient's arrival to ED during my oncall shift in Red Box. So i think we can also use this scale to quickly assess probability of having stroke so that we can decide our further management.
Just a reminder for the "load and go", it means send to the hospital immediately. LOAD into a transport and GO to the nearest hospital/stroke center.
ReplyDeleteNEVER LOAD your patient with aspirin before a CT scan, because you'll never know if it's a hemorrhagic stroke (although <10%), otherwise your patient will GO to heaven. :P
haha! very true!
ReplyDeleteLOAD into transport
GO to hospital
not load with aspirin :)
immediate management for stroke is CT scan to determine hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke