Treatment Challenges in Acute Minor Ischemic Stroke

Patients with acute ischemic stroke may present with minor neurologic deficits. Acute treatment decisions depend on the disability imposed by the symptoms along with radiographic features. The presence of disabling neurologic deficits warrants intravenous thrombolysis, but the indications for endovascular therapy are less defined. The degree of disability, presence of a large vessel occlusion with perfusion mismatch, and collateral circulation status may all be factors in selecting patients for endovascular treatment. Identification of patients who are at risk for neurologic deterioration is critical to preventing poor outcomes in this patient population

Automated summary

Patients with acute ischemic stroke may have minor neurologic deficits, and decisions on acute treatment depend on the disability from symptoms, radiographic features, and the need for intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular therapy. Identifying patients at risk for neurologic deterioration is crucial for preventing poor outcomes.