re: Gary Kubiak had a "Mini-Stroke"

quote:

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* DPH stroke care recommendations modified for BMC. Guidelines for Use of Intravenous tPA in Acute Ischemic Stroke Approved FDA use for LESS than 3.0 hours from initial symptoms Off-label use for 3 to 4.5 hours (see additional warnings box below) A. Indications New symptomatic ischemic stroke with clearly defined onset AND Onset of symptoms to tPA < 3.0 hours (3 to 4.5 hours with warnings below) AND Non-contrast CT showing no intracranial hemorrhage or well-established acute infarct (>1/3 MCA territory) AND Patient evaluated by in-house neurology Fellow or Resident and tPA approved by stroke attending (via phone or in person)

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notice where the need for a ct is described, I certainly would demand a ct before i received tpa

quote:

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You do have to either be a cardiologist or have a cardiologist OK it before it's administered but a CT scan isn't always necessary.

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Screw that. And a Neurologist better agree too.

If he has a little bleed and you give tPA, you may as well have shot him in the head.

And the sudden onset (apparently) of symptoms. He collapsed and could not open his eyes due to pain. That is like the "thunderclap" or "worst headache of my life." Would take some stones for a doc to ask for tPA without a CT scan.