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

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.