The updated document, developed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, also emphasizes the potential benefits of caregiver training and MR imaging. 

Despite increases of 250% for CTA and 428% for CTP, researchers observed lower rates of neuroimaging utilization among rural residents, older individuals (80 years and above), women and Black patients.

Utilization of head CT perfusion (CTP) for imaging stroke patients spiked 428% between 2012 and 2019. Curiously, the uptrend was associated with higher mortality up to a year after discharge.

Physicians may not be aware of such devices' intended use, with potential for misdiagnosis resulting in patient injury or death, the agency announced. 

The study used non-contrast CT and CT perfusion imaging to analyze agreement between an automated reader and human radiologists with differing experience levels.

Marijuana use can be especially harmful to young adults with a history of stroke or TIA, researchers explained. 

While 96% of the population is located within 60 minutes of an ED with any acute stroke expertise, many smaller, critical access hospitals in rural regions still are without these lifesaving services.

Increased volume has led to stress among endovascular stroke physicians, with some hospitals relying on interventional rads to relieve the strain.