In this episode, Dr Kat Ralston chats to Dr Matt Lambert about hyperacute stroke. They discuss a targeted approach to first assessment, including how to utilise your team effectively in a time-pressured environment. They explore the evidence behind different treatment options and share practical tips on thrombolysis and thrombectomy.

Dr Lambert is a consultant in Stroke and Medicine for the Elderly in NHS Tayside and was clinical lead for stroke in Tayside from 2016 until 2023. During this time they led a significant reorganisation of stroke services which led to significant improvements in the delivery of stroke care as measured by the Scottish Stroke Care Audit and laid the foundations for introducing a mechanical thrombectomy service for acute stroke in Tayside. They have an interest in quality improvement and completed the Scottish Quality and Safety Fellowship. Since late 2023 Dr Lambert has been the Stroke Specialty Advisor to the CMO and National Clinical lead for Stroke in Scotland.

Dr Kat Ralston is a Geriatric Medicine Registrar and member of the RCPE Trainees and Members’ Committee, currently working in Edinburgh.

-- Useful Links --NIHSS training - https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/know-stroke/health-professionals National Clinical Guideline for Stroke for the UK and Ireland - https://www.strokeguideline.org/Endovascular thrombectomy after large-vessel ischaemic stroke: a meta-analysis of individual patient data from five randomised trials - https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00163-x

Recording Date: 11 March 2024

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