[Ischemic stroke. What approach in the Emergency Department?].

Ischemic stroke remains worldwide one of the leading causes of death and disability. Current therapeutic approach is focusing upon the protection of neuronal metabolism in ischemic areas and early thrombolysis in selected subgroups of patients. There is evidence that all subjects with ischemic stroke should undergo a cerebral CT as soon as possible after clinical presentation. Taken all into account, Emergency Physicians appear to have a central role in the management of ischemic stroke.