CVA are amongst the top 5 causes of death, and number 1 cause of disability in N.A. Given the associated morbidity and mortality, rapid recognition and aggressive management is of the utmost importance. 

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA), characterizes stroke as a neurological deficit attributed to an acute focal injury of the central nervous system (CNS) by a vascular cause, including cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). For simplicity though, it can be umbrellaed into either ischemic or hemorrhagic in nature.  

The early detection of stroke is paramount for patient care and positive outcomes. Obviously, this begins with the lay public and early activation of 911, but it’s important for paramedics to properly and accurately diagnose and transport to definitive care. 

Dr Grant Stotts

Dr. Grant Stotts is a stroke neurologist at the Ottawa Hospital.  He is the Medical Director for the Champlain Region and Deputy Head of the Division of Neurology.  He is a co-chair of the Ontario Hyperacute Stroke Steering Committee.  He is also an active contributor to the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Guidelines as a former co-chair for Stroke Prevention and Endovascular Therapy.