Impact of Presenting Symptoms on Treatment Time and Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Conditions

• Acute Ischemic Stroke
• Ischemic Stroke
• Stroke

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Study Details

This observational study aims to understand how the specific symptoms a person experiences at the start of an acute ischemic stroke affect how quickly they receive treatment and how well they recover. In stroke care, rapid treatment is critical because delayed intervention can lead to more severe disability or death. Patients who experience "high urgency" or classic stroke symptoms, such as sudden paralysis, severe facial drooping, or loss of speech, tend to arrive at the emergency room very quickly because these signs are easily recognized by bystanders. In contrast, patients who experience "low urgency" or vague symptoms, such as dizziness, numbness, visual changes, or a new-onset headache, often delay seeking medical care. Because these vague symptoms can mimic other medical conditions, they can lead to delayed diagnosis and longer waiting times for specific stroke treatments. The researchers will observe 120 adult patients admitted for a first-ever acute ischemic stroke. Participants will be categorized into two groups based on whether their initial stroke symptoms were highly urgent or vague. The study will track and compare both groups to evaluate: * The time it takes for patients to arrive at the hospital and receive intervention therapies. * The patients' level of physical disability and independence in daily activities. * The patients' cognitive function. * The total length of the hospital stay, complication rates, and overall survival. Participants will be monitored from the time of their hospital admission through their discharge. To measure long-term recovery and functional outcomes, patients will also complete follow-up assessments at two weeks, one month, two months, and three months after leaving the hospital.

Key Dates

First listed

Aug 6, 2026

Start date

Sep 30, 2026

Status verified

Aug 2026

Primary completion

Sep 30, 2027

Completion

Oct 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment

120 participants (estimated)

Arms

• Arm: High Urgency Symptoms
  Patients with a first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presenting with "high urgency" classic symptoms, such as sudden hemiplegia/hemiparesis, severe facial droop, or profound aphasia. These patients are admitted for acute stroke management and will receive specific stroke interventions (e.g., rTPA or mechanical thrombectomy) if they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Arm: Low Urgency or Vague Symptoms
  Patients with a first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presenting with "low urgency" or vague symptoms, which may include sensory deficits, vestibular symptoms, visual disturbances, new-onset headache, wake-up strokes, or altered mental status. These patients are admitted for conventional ward care, undergoing a standard medical workup and generalized nursing management.

Primary Outcome Measure

Functional Dependence Assessed by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) [ Time Frame: 2 weeks after discharge ]

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