Stroke thrombolysis given by emergency physicians: The time is here.

Emergency Medicine core clinical privileges include administration of thrombolytic therapy for myocardial infarction and stroke. However, emergency medicine providers have created their own paradigm to rely on neurology specialty consultation to treat acute stroke patients. A 2013 study supported by the American Academy of Neurology showed an 11% shortage of neurologists at that time and projected a 19% shortage by 2025. The lack of neurologists is a worldwide problem. To help ease the shortage, teleneurology and telestroke care has been implemented by neurologists, most notably for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We present a model in which an Emergency Medicine (EM) Stroke Champion (SC); an EM physician within our Neurologic Emergency Department, directs care for acute stroke patients at our comprehensive hub and primary stroke center spoke hospitals. The SCs independently treat patients with fibrinolytic therapy and provide teleneurology to fellow emergency physicians caring for acute stroke patients at spoke hospitals. Over nineteen months the SCs received 457 phone calls for patients meeting stroke alert criteria. Sixteen patients were deemed eligible for IV alteplase with one hemorrhagic conversion (6.25%). Sixty-four patients required transfer, and this was facilitated by the SCs. The concept of emergency physician SCs providing teleneurology consultation to other fellow emergency physicians was found to be feasible and safe. This model has the potential to be generalized not to just stroke champions, but to all emergency physicians to feel both confident and comfortable treating acute stroke patients.

The management of trigeminal neuralgia with triptans, a narrative review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to present a narrative review of the use of triptans in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), as well as to outline possible therapeutic mechanisms of action. BACKGROUND: TN is a debilitating neuropathic disorder with a variety of surgical and pharmacological treatments currently available. Despite treatment being heavily individually tailored, some patients remain refractory to management. The use of triptans for the treatment of TN has been commented on in the literature, yet major trials showing their effectiveness are lacking. METHODS: A narrative review of current literature was conducted to identify published original research analyzing the usage of triptans in TN via PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Limited case reports and studies have been done to analyze the use of triptans for the treatment of TN. Despite the limited results, the studies that have been done show some promise for triptans as an alternative treatment, in particular to those with refractory TN. Given the incapacitating nature of TN, another alternative treatment may be of benefit to those patients and can help reduce its associated morbidity. CONCLUSION: Patients with refractory TN may find relief of symptoms from the use of triptans. Larger clinical trials are needed to help determine which patients would benefit from their use as well as specific dosing. Caution should be given regarding the long-term use of triptans, in particular for the typical patient population with TN.

The Use of Antiplatelet Agents and Heparin in the 24-Hour Postintravenous Alteplase Window for Neurointervention.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous (IV) alteplase with mechanical thrombectomy has been found to be superior to alteplase alone in select patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion. Current guidelines discourage the use of antiplatelet agents or heparin for 24 h following alteplase. However, their use is often necessary in certain circumstances during thrombectomy procedures. OBJECTIVE: To study the safety and outcomes in patients who received blood thinning medications for thrombectomy after IV Tissue-Type plasminogen activator (tPA). METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective review of the use of antiplatelet agents and/or heparin in patients within 24 h following tPA administration. Patient demographics, comorbidities, bleeding complications, and discharge outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A series of 88 patients at 9 centers received antiplatelet medications and/or heparin anticoagulation following IV alteplase for revascularization procedures requiring stenting. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission was 14.6. Reasons for use of a stent included internal carotid artery occlusion in 74% of patients. Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b-3 revascularization was accomplished in 90% of patients. The rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was 8%; this was not significantly different than the sICH rate for a matched group of patients not receiving antiplatelets or heparin during the same time frame. Functional independence at 90 d (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) was seen in 57.8% of patients. All-cause mortality was 12%. CONCLUSION: The use of antiplatelet agents and heparin for stroke interventions following IV alteplase appears to be safe without significant increased risk of hemorrhagic complications in this group of patients when compared to control data and randomized controlled trials.

Investigation of a Valve-Agnostic Cranial Implant for Adult Hydrocephalus Patients Requiring Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the most effective treatment strategy for adults with hydrocephalus involves cerebrospinal fluid diversion by means of a shunt system, most commonly ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS). Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is associated with high complication and/or revision rates, in part due to the high-profile programmable valve designs. Thus, the valve-agnostic cranial implant (VACI) was designed and investigated as a safe and effective method of reducing the valve's high profile and is currently undergoing clinical trials. As such, the objective of this study was to collate preliminary, multi-institutional data of early outcomes using a VACI approach for patients requiring VPS by way of an Institutional Review Board approved registry. METHODS: A total of 25 adult patients across 4 institutions and 6 surgeons underwent VACI placement for VPS based on preoperative evaluation and perceived benefit. Patient demographics, operative details, and preliminary outcomes are presented here. RESULTS: Valve-agnostic cranial implant placement via a limited size craniectomy at time of shunt revision was performed with no adverse events. Over an average follow-up period of 1 year (394 ±â€Š178 days), 92% of patients experienced no major shunt-related or scalp-related complications. There were 2 cases with a major complication requiring reoperation: 1 shunt tubing extrusion and 1 case of meningitis. The most frequent postsurgical intervention seen in this study was related to adjustment of drainage: a non-invasively performed valve reprogramming after initial shunt placement when proper flow rate is being established. Of the 8 cases of drainage adjustment, all but 1 (88%) were receiving a VPS for the first time, with the exception undergoing a fourth shunt revision. All instances of improper flow were treated non-surgically and remediated effectively via shunt reprogramming in clinic. Removal of the VACI was not indicated in any treatment course. In this way, all complications as they relate to the shunt valve were minor and required nonsurgical intervention, and no complications reported were directly or indirectly caused by using the VACI. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings from this multicenter trial suggest promising outcomes with a low complication rate for patients with hydrocephalus undergoing VACI placement during VPS. Ongoing research will continue to provide a more robust clinical picture of VACI in hydrocephalus management as more data becomes available.

Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has been shown to be equally effective as carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for carotid stenosis in both symptomatic and asymptomatic disease.1 In patients who are considered high risk for endarterectomy, CAS is safe and effective.2 While this is a common procedure, proper technique is crucial to ensure that the procedure is safe with minimal risk of stroke. This patient consented to treatment. The following is a video detailing the CAS procedure in a 77-yr-old male with a symptomatic 65% carotid stenosis (by NASCET criteria3) in a patient with prior CEA.

First-in-Human Experience With Integration of a Hydrocephalus Shunt Device Within a Customized Cranial Implant.

BACKGROUND: Implantable shunt devices are critical and life saving for hydrocephalus patients. However, these devices are fraught with high complication rates including scalp dehiscence, exposure, and extrusion. In fact, high shunt valve profiles are correlated with increased complications compared to those with lower profiles. As such, we sought a new method for integrating shunt valves for those challenging patients presenting with scalp-related complications. OBJECTIVE: To safely implant and integrate a hydrocephalus shunt valve device within a customized cranial implant, in an effort to limit its high-profile nature as a main contributor to shunt failure and scalp breakdown, and at the same time, improve patient satisfaction by preventing contour deformity. METHODS: A 64-yr-old male presented with an extruding hydrocephalus shunt valve and chronic, open scalp wound. The shunt valve was removed and temporary shunt externalization was performed. He received 2 wk of culture-directed antibiotics. Next, a contralateral craniectomy was performed allowing a new shunt valve system to be implanted within a low-profile, customized cranial implant. All efforts were made, at the patient's request, to decrease the high-profile nature of the shunt valve contributing to his most recent complication. RESULTS: First-in-human implantation was performed without complication. Postoperative shunt identification and programming was uncomplicated. The high-profile nature of the shunt valve was decreased by 87%. At 10 mo, the patient has experienced no complications and is extremely satisfied with his appearance. CONCLUSION: This first-in-human experience suggests that a high-profile hydrocephalus shunt device may be safely integrated within a customized cranial implant.

Carotid Stenosis: Utility of Diagnostic Angiography.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid artery stenosis is frequently diagnosed through screening tests with noninvasive imaging. Because of differences noted between the various modalities, we sought to investigate our experience comparing noninvasive imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography) with invasive imaging (digital subtraction angiography). METHODS: In a multicenter retrospective analysis, 249 carotid vessels were reviewed based on angiography with the associated noninvasive imaging. RESULTS: Overall, medical or surgical decision management was changed in 43% (107/243) of cases investigated with digital subtraction angiography owing to a discrepancy between the measured percentage stenosis. In patients with potentially treatable carotid stenosis, angiography revealed nonsignificant stenosis 25.7% of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Angiography should be considered the confirmatory test for degree of stenosis in certain patients before definitive surgical treatment.

The Impact of the Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms on Headaches.

OBJECTIVE: The co-occurrence of headaches and cerebral aneurysms is common in clinical practice, although a clear causal relationship has not been ascertained. We aimed to investigate the impact of endovascular obliteration of aneurysms on headaches using a cross-sectional, prospective, open-label protocol. We also sought to characterize the preexisting headaches in patients harboring cerebral aneurysms using the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria. METHODS: A total of 33 patients were recruited into the study and underwent endovascular treatment for obliteration of their aneurysms. A standardized survey was administered before and 3 to 6 months after the procedure, documenting the HIT-6 scores as well as the headache frequency. RESULTS: The study cohort included 25 women and 8 men. In 61% of cases, the aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation. We achieved grade 0 or 1 obliteration of aneurysms in 100% of cases and there were no complications. The mean for HIT-6 scores were 52.3 at baseline and 49.6 postprocedure (student t test, P<0.047). The headache frequency measured as total headache days per month did not demonstrate statistical significance. Our data indicated that more than half of our cohort had preexisting headaches which fulfilled the criteria for a primary headache disorder. These individuals showed a more robust response to the intervention compared with the remainder of the group, although the P-value per se was not considered statistically significant due to the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of the aneurysms mitigates the headache-related disability.

Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting Without Distal Embolic Protection Devices.

BACKGROUND: Embolic protection devices are used during carotid artery stenting procedures to reduce risk of distal embolization. Although this is a standard procedural recommendation, no studies have shown superiority of these devices over unprotected stenting procedures. OBJECTIVE: To assess the periprocedural outcome and durability of carotid artery stenting without embolic protection devices and poststent angioplasty. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 174 carotid angioplasty stent procedures performed at our institution. One hundred sixty-six patients underwent angioplasty and stenting without distal protection devices or poststent angioplasty. Complications related to stenting, including procedural complications, postoperative stroke and/or myocardial infarction, and stent restenosis were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five stents (78%) were performed in symptomatic patients, whereas 22% of stents were placed for asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis. The degree of stenosis was 80% or greater in 75% of patients and 90% or greater in 55% of patients. Following the stenting procedure, the 24-hour and 30-day rate of transient ischemic attack, intracranial hemorrhage, or ischemic stroke was 0. Three (2%) patients had a perioperative, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Five patients (2.8%) required treatment for restenosis (>50% stenosis from baseline), 1 of which was symptomatic. CONCLUSION: Our data show that carotid artery stenting without the use of embolic protection devices and without postangioplasty stenting, in experienced hands, can be performed safely. Furthermore, this technique does not result in a higher degree of in-stent restenosis than series in which poststenting angioplasty is performed.

An Analysis of Transient Ischemic Attack Practices: Does Hospital Admission Improve Patient Outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Immediate treatment has been shown to decrease the recurrence of cerebrovascular accidents following transient ischemic attacks (TIA), prompting the use of a specialized neurologic emergency department (Neuro ED) to triage patients. Despite these findings, there is little evidence supporting the notion that hospital admission improves post-TIA outcomes. Through the lens of a Neuro ED, this retrospective chart review of TIA patients examines whether hospital admission improves 90-day outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty charts of patients discharged with TIA diagnosis were reviewed. These charts encompassed patients with TIA who presented to a main emergency department (ED) or Neuro ED from January 2014 to April 2015. Demographic information, admission ABCD(2) scores, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and admission Modified Rankin Scale, and reason for any return visits within 90 days were collected. RESULTS: This review shows that patients triaged by the Neuro ED were admitted at a lower rate than those seen by the standard ED. Further, patients triaged by the Neuro ED experienced lower readmission and recurrence of stroke or TIA within 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide preliminary support for the notion that discharging appropriate TIA patients, with adequate follow-up, will not adversely affect the recurrence of TIA or stroke within 90 days.

Clinical and Procedural Predictors of Outcomes From the Endovascular Treatment of Posterior Circulation Strokes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with posterior circulation strokes have been excluded from recent randomized endovascular stroke trials. We reviewed the recent multicenter experience with endovascular treatment of posterior circulation strokes to identify the clinical, radiographic, and procedural predictors of successful recanalization and good neurological outcomes. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with posterior circulation strokes, who underwent thrombectomy with stent retrievers or primary aspiration thrombectomy (including A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique [ADAPT] approach). We correlated clinical and radiographic outcomes with demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in the final analysis (mean age, 63.5±14.2 years; mean admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 19.2±8.2). Favorable clinical outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) was achieved in 35% of patients. Successful recanalization and shorter time from stroke onset to the start of the procedure were significant predictors of favorable clinical outcome at 90 days. Stent retriever and aspiration thrombectomy as primary treatment approaches showed comparable procedural and clinical outcomes. None of the baseline advanced imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic perfusion, or computed tomography angiography assessment of collaterals) showed superiority in selecting patients for thrombectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Time to the start of the procedure is an important predictor of clinical success after thrombectomy in patients with posterior circulation strokes. Both stent retriever and aspiration thrombectomy as primary treatment approaches are effective in achieving successful recanalization.

Endovascular therapy of wake-up strokes in the modern era of stent retriever thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of wake-up strokes (WUS) has been previously described, mostly with the use of pharmacological thrombolysis or first generation thrombectomy devices. OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes of WUS treated with modern endovascular therapy since the Food and Drug Administration approval of stent retrievers, and to identify predictors of good clinical outcome in this population of stroke patients. METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with WUS who underwent thrombectomy with stent retrievers Trevo (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA) and Solitaire FR (Covidien, Irvine, California, USA), or primary aspiration thrombectomy. We correlated favorable clinical outcomes with demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics. RESULTS: 52 patients were included in this study; 46 (88%) cases were treated with stent retrievers and 6 (12%) were treated with primary aspiration thrombectomy alone. Successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b/3) was achieved in 36 (69%) patients. Favorable clinical outcome at 3 months, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2, was achieved in 25 (48%) patients. Duration of intervention <30 min and its success, defined as TICI 2b/3 recanalization, were strong predictors of favorable clinical outcome at 90 days (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that endovascular treatment of WUS with stent retrievers and aspiration thrombectomy is safe and effective.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis: Contemporary multicenter experience.

Endovascular therapy of cerebral venous thrombosis using modern approaches to intracranial recanalization, such as stent retrievers and aspiration thrombectomy, is not well described. We performed a retrospective review of data for consecutive patients with venous sinus thrombosis who underwent endovascular treatment between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2013 at participating institutions. We identified a total of 13 patients with a diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis. The most frequently utilized type of endovascular intervention was the Penumbra aspiration system (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, California, USA) (nine cases), followed by local infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (bolus and/or drip in six cases) and stent retrievers (Solitaire FR (Covidien, Irvine, California, USA) in three cases and Trevo (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA) in one case). Overall, multimodality treatment (two or more different types of devices or approaches) was performed in 62% of cases. Follow-up data were available for 11 patients; of those, five had a favorable clinical outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2) and three patients died. Various endovascular approaches are utilized in current clinical practice. A multimodal approach to endovascular therapy for the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis resulted in partial or complete restoration of flow in all cases, yet the mortality rate of 27% indicates the need for improvement in recanalization strategies for this disorder.

Utilization of Pipeline embolization device for treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: US multicenter experience.

OBJECTIVE: Utilization of the Pipeline embolization device (PED) in complex ruptured aneurysms has not been well studied. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness data from five participating US centers. METHODS: Records of patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms who underwent PED treatment between 2011 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: 26 patients with ruptured aneurysms underwent PED treatment (mean age 51.4 ± 13.2 years;16 women). At presentation, 8 patients (30.8%) had a Hunt-Hess grade of IV or above; 11 required extraventricular drain placement. Aneurysm morphologies were: 8 dissecting, 8 blister-like, 6 fusiform, and 4 saccular. There were 22 anterior circulation and 4 posterior circulation aneurysms. PED deployment was successful in all patients, with adjunctive coiling utilized in 12. Periprocedural complications occurred in 5 (19.2%), including 3 inhospital deaths. 23 patients (88.5%) had postoperative angiography at a mean of 5.9 months: 18 aneurysms (78.3%) were completely occluded, 3 (13.0%) had residual neck filling, and 2 (8.7%) had residual dome filling. All blister-type aneurysms were completely occluded at follow-up. Clinical follow-up was available for an average of 10.1 months (range 2-21 months), with one asymptomatic in-stent stenosis and one asymptomatic thromboembolic stroke noted. Good outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2) was achieved in 20 patients (76.9%), fair (mRS 3-4) in 3 (11.5%), and 3 died (11.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The PED can be utilized for ruptured aneurysms and is a good option for blister-type aneurysms. However, due to periprocedural complications, it should be reserved for lesions that are difficult to treat by conventional clipping or coiling.

Improved door-to-needle times and neurologic outcomes when IV tissue plasminogen activator is administered by emergency physicians with advanced neuroscience training.

BACKGROUND: The neurologic emergency department (neuro ED) at our medical center is staffed by emergency medicine physicians who have specialized neuroscience training and give intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) independently for acute ischemic stroke patients. Door-to-needle (DTN) times, discharge location, and discharge National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were studied between the neuro ED and main emergency department (ED) with the hypothesis that all measures would be better in the neuro ED group. METHODS: This is a retrospective study evaluating DTN time, discharge outcomes, and discharge location in acute stroke patients who received IV tPA at our comprehensive stroke center. These outcome measures were compared between patients who were evaluated and treated in our neuro ED to those treated in our main ED. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2014, 67 acute stroke patients received IV tPA in our ED. Thirty-five patients were evaluated in the neuro ED, and 32, in the main ED. Average DTN times were significantly faster in the neuro ED at 35 minutes, compared to main ED DTN times of 83 minutes. Discharge NIHSS score was significantly lower, and more patients were discharged to home in the neuro ED group compared to the main ED group. CONCLUSIONS: Trained neuro ED physicians can safely give IV tPA independently for stroke patients with improved DTN times, lower discharge NIHSS, and higher likelihood of being discharged to home compared to the main ED physicians who used teleneurology consultation. This suggests utility in training emergency medicine physicians to administer tPA independently based on clinical practice guidelines.

Recombinant factor VIIa use in patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhage.

Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) can be used for rapid INR normalization in life-threatening hemorrhage in anticoagulated patients. Dosing is unclear and may carry thromboembolic risks. We reviewed the use of rFVIIa at a comprehensive stroke and cerebrovascular center to evaluate dose effectiveness on INR reduction and thromboembolic complications experienced. The primary endpoint was to review the efficacy of rFVIIa in lowering INR. Secondary endpoints included doses used and adverse effects caused by rFVIIa administration. Forty-one percent of patients presented with a subdural hemorrhage. The mean INR prior to rFVIIa administration was 3.5 (0.9-15) and decreased to 1.13 (0.6-2). The mean dose of rFVIIa given was 73 mcg/kg (±24 mcg/kg). Two patients (3%) experienced a thromboembolic event. Recombinant factor VIIa appears to lower INR without significant thromboembolic complications.

Early postmarket experience after US Food and Drug Administration approval with the Trevo device for thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: TREVO 2 showed the Trevo stent retriever to be more successful for revascularization than Merci for acute stroke intervention in patients treated within 8 hours of symptom onset. These results led to US Food and Drug Administration approval of Trevo. OBJECTIVE: To report the first postmarket experience with Trevo since US Food and Drug Administration approval at a single high-volume comprehensive stroke center in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted in patients who underwent intervention for ischemic stroke with the Trevo device. Trevo was used alone or in conjunction with other intra-arterial devices. Two groups of patients were identified: those with symptom onset within (group 1) and those with symptom onset beyond (group 2) 8 hours. Recanalization, outcome, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and in-hospital and 90-day mortality were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were identified, 27 in group 1 and 25 in group 2. Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2 to 3 revascularization was achieved in 93% of group 1 and 84% of group 2 patients. In-hospital mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were 3.8% and 12% for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ninety-day mortality was 15% and 24% for groups 1 and 2, respectively. In groups 1 and 2, 48% and 42% of patients, respectively, had good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2), and 50% in both groups of patients achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 3 revascularization. Group 2 had longer revascularization times and required adjuvant devices more frequently. CONCLUSION: Our postmarket experience shows that in highly selected patients Trevo is safe and effective, even beyond 8 hours, despite longer procedure times and the need for adjuvant devices.

Retrospective study of Heparin Administration for Ischemic Stroke when there is an IV-tPA Contraindication.

BACKGROUND: The majority of patients presenting with an ischemic stroke arrive after the 3-4.5 h time window allowed for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) administration. Most of the literature on heparin use in acute ischemic stroke does not describe dose-adjusted intravenous unfractionated heparin (IV UFH) without bolus, a common method of administration. This study was designed to test whether an anticoagulation regimen of intravenous dose-adjusted UFH with no bolus, in patients with a contraindication to IV TPA, administered within 24 h of an acute ischemic stroke could be effective and safe. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 273 patients over two consecutive years with acute ischemic stroke, who were outside the window for IV tPA. All patients had imaging studies on admission. The primary outcome measure of the study was to evaluate the safety of dose-adjusted IV UFH use in the setting of acute stroke. We looked at duration of heparin infusion, average partial thromboplastin time (PTT) value, and the incidence of new hemorrhagic events. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients met the inclusion criteria. These patients received heparin infusion within 24 h of symptom onset. The duration of intravenous heparin infusion ranged from 1 to 18 days with a mean of 4 days. Mean PTT value was 72.4. Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 26 patients (9.5%), and included 12 asymptomatic petechial or hemorrhagic conversion (4.3%), 2 symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (0.7%), 5 gastrointestinal bleeds (2 requiring transfusion and interventions), 2 patients experienced benign hematuria, 4 patients with groin hematomas, and one neck hematoma. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that intravenous dose-adjusted UFH with no bolus can be administered to patients with acute ischemic stroke with relative safety.

Wax on, wax off: a rare case of catatonia.

Catatonia was first described by a German psychiatrist, Karl Kahlbaum, in 1874. It is a behavioral syndrome marked by an inability to move normally, which can occur in the context of many underlying general medical and psychiatric disorders. A wide variety of neurologic, metabolic, drug-induced, and psychiatric causes of catatonia have been reported. We present a unique case of late onset catatonia in a 56-year-old man with no prior medical or psychiatric history initially presenting with stroke-like symptoms. The patient was awake and alert, with spontaneous eye opening, but completely nonverbal and not following any commands. Specifically, the patient demonstrated stupor, catalepsy, mutism, and negativism. After extensive emergency department testing, including negative computed tomography head, negative magnetic resonance imaging brain, negative electroencephalogram, and normal laboratory results, the patient was diagnosed with new-onset bipolar disorder with depressive features presenting as catatonia. Recognizing catatonia is important because it may be caused or exacerbated by treatment of the underlying disorder. Failure to institute treatment early in the course of catatonia is associated with a poor prognosis.

The neurological emergency room and prehospital stroke alert: the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

BACKGROUND: Emergency medical services (EMS) prenotification to hospitals regarding the arrival of patients who have had a stroke is recommended to facilitate the workup once the patient arrives. Most hospitals have the patient enter the emergency department (ED) before obtaining a head computed tomography (CT) scan. At Capital Health, prehospital stroke-alert patients are delivered directly to CT and met by a neurological emergency team. The goal of bypassing the ED is to reduce the time to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate (1) door-to-CT and door-to-needle time in patients with an acute stroke who arrive as prehospital stroke alerts and (2) the accuracy of EMS assessment. METHODS: A prospective database of all prehospital stroke alert patients was kept and data retrospectively reviewed for patients who were seen between July 2012 and July 2013. RESULTS: Between July 2012 and July 2013, 141 prehospital stroke alerts were called to our emergency department, and the patients were stable enough to bypass the ED and go directly to CT. EMS assessment of stroke was accurate 66% of the time, and the diagnosis was neurological 89% of the time. The average time between patient arrival and acquisition of CT imaging was 11.8 minutes. Twenty-six of the 141 patients (18%) received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The median time from arrival to intravenous tissue plasminogen activator bolus was 44 minutes. CONCLUSION: Trained EMS responders are able to correctly identify patients who are experiencing neurological/neurosurgical emergencies and deliver patients to our comprehensive stroke center in a timely fashion after prenotification. The prehospital stroke alert protocol bypasses the ED, allowing the patient to be met in CT by the neurological ED team, which has proven to decrease door-to-CT and door-to-needle times from our historical means. ABBREVIATIONS: ASLS, Advanced Stroke Life SupportDTN, door-to-needleED, emergency departmentEMS, emergency medical servicesEMT, emergency medical technicianIV, intravenousMEND, Miami Emergency Neurological DeficitPHSA, prehospital stroke alerttPA, tissue plasminogen activator.