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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke resulting in a fivefold increased stroke risk and a twofold increased mortality. Our understanding of stroke mechanisms in AF has evolved since the concept of atrial cardiopathy was introduced as an underlying pathological change, with both AF and thromboembolism being common manifestations and outcomes. Despite the strong association with stroke, there is no evidence that screening for AF in asymptomatic patients improves clinical outcomes; however, there is strong evidence that patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source may require long-term monitoring to detect silent or paroxysmal AF. Stroke prevention in patients at risk, assessed by the CHA2DS2-VASc score, was traditionally achieved with warfarin; however, direct oral anticoagulants have solidified their role as safe and effective alternatives. Additionally, left atrial appendage exclusion has emerged as a viable option in patients intolerant of anticoagulation. When patients with AF have an acute stroke, the timing of initiation or resumption of anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention has to be balanced against the risk of hemorrhagic conversion. Multiple randomized clinical trials are currently underway to determine the best timing for administration of anticoagulants following acute ischemic stroke.

Background The Watchman device (Boston Scientific), used for left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), was approved for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an appropriate rationale to avoid long-term oral anticoagulation. Patients with AF and prior intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were excluded from clinical trials because of perceived risks of perioperative anticoagulation. Objective The purpose of this study was to study the efficacy and safety of LAAC using Watchman in patients with AF and prior ICH. Methods In a multidisciplinary AF/stroke prevention clinic, 38 consecutive patients with AF and prior ICH underwent Watchman implantation. Patients were enrolled in a prospectively maintained data registry. Results Patients' mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5.0 ± 1.3 and HAS-BLED score 4.2 ± 1.0. Prior ICH events were intraparenchymal (60%), subdural (24%), or subarachnoid bleeds (16%). The median event-to-implantation time was 637 days (minimum 60). Watchman was implanted in all patients with no procedural complications. All patients completed 45 days of anticoagulation with warfarin (55%), apixaban (37%), or dabigatran (8%). Transesophageal echocardiograms at 45 days showed no peridevice leak, and 1 patient had a small filamentous echodensity on device that resolved with anticoagulation. While undergoing anticoagulation, none of the patients developed recurrent ICH. Minor bleeding occurred in 1 patient (trauma-related lower extremity hematoma at 19 days postimplantation). At 13.4 months (quartiles 8–19) of follow-up, there were no strokes, ICH, or deaths. Conclusion AF patients with prior ICH tolerated short-term anticoagulation for the purpose of Watchman implantation. LAAC with attendant short-term anticoagulation seems to be both safe and effective in this patient population.

Background: Decline in presentations of acute stroke during the early period of COVID-19 pandemic have been reported. We aimed to investigate the stroke presentations during the subsequent months as the pandemic evolved into a second wave. Methods: Data was obtained from a health system with 19 emergency departments (EDs) in northeast Ohio in the United States. Baseline period from January 1 to February 29, 2020, was compared with the individual months during COVID-19 period from March through July. Variables included were numbers of daily stroke alerts across the EDs, thrombolysis, thrombectomy, time to presentation, stroke severity, time from door-to-needle in thrombolysis, and door-to puncture in thrombectomy. The time periods were compared using nonparametric statistics and Poisson regression with month, weekend, and daily COVID cases as independent variables. Results: A total of 2264 stroke alerts from EDs were analyzed between January 1 to July 31, 2020. Total daily stroke alerts decreased from a median of 10 (interquartile range [IQR]:10-13) in January and February to 9 (IQR:6-11, p=0.001) in March, 8(IQR:7-10, p=0.0001) in April, 10 (IQR:8-11, p=0.04) in May, and returned similar to baseline in June (12, IQR:10-13, p=0.5) and July (13, IQR:11-14,p=0.1). In Poisson regression, stroke alert numbers showed no significant association with daily COVID-19 counts, but significant association with months, with rate ratios of 0.74 (95%CI 0.64-0.85) for March, 0.71 (95%CI 0.61-0.82) for April, and 0.86 (95%CI 0.75-0.98) for May, but not with June and July. Time to presentation and stroke severity were unchanged throughout the study period. Thrombolysis volume decreased in March and May but thrombectomy volume was unchanged. Conclusion: We observed a decrease in stroke presentations across emergency departments by about 30% during the early period of COVID-19 pandemic, followed by return to baseline frequency despite a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

Objectives Mobile stroke unit (MSU) has been shown to rapidly provide pre-hospital thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MSU encounters neurological disorders other than AIS that require emergent treatment. Methods/Materials We obtained pre-hospital diagnosis and treatment data from the prospectively collected dataset on 221 consecutive MSU encounters. Based on initial clinical evaluation and neuroimaging obtained on MSU, the diagnosis of AIS (definite, probable, and possible AIS, transient ischemic attack), intracranial hemorrhage, and likely stroke mimics was made. Results From July 2014 to April 2015, 221 patients were treated on MSU. 78 (35%) patients had initial clinical diagnosis of definite/probable AIS or TIA, 69 (31%) were diagnosed as possible AIS or TIA, 15 (7%) had intracranial hemorrhage while 59 patients (27%) were diagnosed as likely stroke mimics. Stroke mimics encountered included 13 (6%) metabolic encephalopathy, 11 (5%) seizures, 9 (4%) migraines, 3 (1%) substance abuse, 2 (1%) CNS tumor, 3 (1%) infectious etiology and 3 (1%) hypoglycemia. Fifty-four (24%) patients received non-thrombolytic treatments on MSU Conclusion About one third of MSU encounters were not AIS initially, including intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics. MSU can be utilized to provide pre-hospital treatments in emergent neurological conditions other than AIS.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background and Purpose: We aimed to investigate the acute stroke presentations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The data were obtained from a health system with 19 emergency departments in northeast Ohio in the United States. Baseline period from January 1 to March 8, 2020, was compared with the COVID period from March 9, to April 2, 2020. The variables included were total daily stroke alerts across the hospital emergency departments, thrombolysis, time to presentation, stroke severity, time from door-to-imaging, time from door-to-needle in thrombolysis, and time from door-to-puncture in thrombectomy. The 2 time periods were compared using nonparametric statistics and Poisson regression. Results: Nine hundred two stroke alerts during the period across the emergency departments were analyzed. Total daily stroke alerts decreased from median, 10 (interquartile range, 8–13) during baseline period to median, 8 (interquartile range, 4–10, P=0.001) during COVID period. Time to presentation, stroke severity, and time to treatment were unchanged. COVID period was associated with decrease in stroke alerts with rate ratio of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.60–0.28). Thrombolysis also decreased with rate ratio, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.28–0.97) but thrombectomy remained unchanged rate ratio, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.52–1.62) Conclusions: We observed a significant decrease in acute stroke presentations by ≈30% across emergency departments at the time of surge of COVID-19 cases. This observation could be attributed to true decline in stroke incidence or patients not seeking medical attention for emergencies during the pandemic.

Context: Annually, more than 1 million youth athletes in the United States receive or are suspected of receiving a concussion. The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is the most commonly used clinical balance evaluation designed to provide a better understanding of the motor-control processes of individuals with concussion. Despite the widespread use of the BESS, a fundamental gap exists in applying this tool to young athletes, as normative values are lacking for this population. Objective: To determine age- and sex-specific normative values for the BESS in youth, high school, and collegiate athletes. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Local youth sport organizations, high schools, and colleges. Patients or Other Participants: Student-athletes (N = 6762) completed preseason baseline concussion testing as part of a comprehensive concussion-management program. Groups were youth males aged 5 to 13 years (n = 360), high school males aged 14 to 18 years (n = 3743), collegiate males aged 19 to 23 years (n = 497), youth females aged 5 to 13 years (n = 246), high school females aged 14 to 18 years (n = 1673), and collegiate females aged 19 to 23 years (n = 243). Main Outcome Measure(s): Errors according to the BESS specifications. Results: Performance on the BESS was worse (P < .01) in youth athletes than in high school and collegiate athletes. In the youth and high school cohorts, females exhibited better scores than males (P < .05). Sex was not a factor for collegiate athletes. Data from the youth cohort were further subdivided into 4-year bins to evaluate potential motor-development differences. The error count was highest for 5- to 9-year-old males and decreased with age. Conclusions: Performance on the BESS depended on sex and age, particularly in youth athletes. These sex- and age-specific normative values provide a reference to facilitate and unify clinical decision making across multiple providers caring for youth athletes with concussions.

Noncontact sports are associated with a variety of neurologic injuries. Concussion, vascular injury (arterial dissection), and spinal cord trauma may be less common in noncontact sports, but require special attention from the sports neurologist. Complex regional pain disorders, muscle injury from repetitive use, dystonia, heat exposure, and vascular disorders (patent foramen ovale), occur with similar frequency in noncontact and contact sports. Management of athletes with these conditions requires an understanding of the neurologic consequences of these disorders, the risk of injury with return to play, and consideration for the benefits of exercise in health restoration and disease prevention.

Background The standardization of care along disease lines is recommended to improve outcomes and reduce health care costs. The multiple disciplines involved in concussion management often result in fragmented and disparate care. A fundamental gap exists in the effective utilization of rehabilitation services for individuals with concussion. Purpose The purpose of this project was to (1) characterize changes in health care utilization following implementation of a concussion carepath, and (2) present an economic evaluation of patient charges following carepath implementation. Design This was a retrospective cohort study. Methods A review of electronic medical and financial records was conducted of individuals (N = 3937), ages 18 to 45 years, with primary diagnosis of concussion who sought care in the outpatient or emergency department settings over a 7-year period (2010–2016). Outcomes including encounter length, resource utilization, and charges were compared for each year to determine changes from pre- to post-carepath implementation. Results Concussion volumes increased by 385% from 2010 to 2015. Utilization of physical therapy increased from 9% to 20% while time to referral decreased from 72 to 23 days post-injury. Utilization of emergency medicine and imaging were significantly reduced. Efficient resource utilization led to a 20.7% decrease in median charges (estimated ratio of means [CI] 7.72 [0.53, 0.96]) associated with concussion care. Limitations Encounter lengths served as a proxy for recovery time. Conclusions The implementation of the concussion carepath was successful in optimizing clinical practice with respect to facilitating continuity of care, appropriate resource utilization, and effective handoffs to physical therapy. The utilization of enabling technology to facilitate the collection of common outcomes across providers was vital to the success of standardizing clinical care without compromising patient outcomes.

The evidence-informed standardization of care along disease lines is recommended to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The aim of this project is to 1) describe the development and implementation of the Concussion Carepath, 2) demonstrate the process of integrating technology in the form of a mobile application to enable the carepath and guide clinical decision-making, and 3) present data on the utility of the C3 app in facilitating decision-making throughout the injury recovery process. A multi-disciplinary team of experts in concussion care was formed to develop an evidence-informed algorithm, outlining best practices for the clinical management of concussion along three phases of recovery - acute, subacute, and post-concussive. A custom mobile application, the Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) app was developed and validated to provide a platform for the systematic collection of objective, biomechanical outcomes and to provide guidance in clinical decision-making in the field and clinical environments. The Cleveland Clinic Concussion app included an electronic incident report, assessment modules to measure important aspects of cognitive and motor function, and a return to play module to systematically document the six phases of post-injury rehabilitation. The assessment modules served as qualifiers within the carepath algorithm, driving referral for specialty services as indicated. Overall, the carepath coupled with the C3 app functioned in unison to facilitate communication among the interdisciplinary team, prevent stagnant care, and drive patients to the right provider at the right time for efficient and effective clinical management.

Introduction: Mobile stroke Units (MSU) can shorten the time to intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to demonstrate the effects of pre-hospital IVT on clinical outcomes. Methods: We reviewed patients received IVT from July 2014 to December 2017, and compared patients with pre-hospital IVT on MSU with patients brought to the ED via a conventional ambulance. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale score (mRS) of 1 or better at 90 days. Binary logistic regression model of 90-day mRS for 0-1 vs 2-6 was adjusted for age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and pre-morbid mRS. Results: Seventy eight patients were treated in the MSU and 153 patients were received IVT in the ED. There were no significant differences in gender, age, pre-morbid mRS, initial NIHSS score, and risk factors between the MSU group and the ED group. The MSU patients received thrombolysis 38 minutes earlier from onset than the ED patients (median 79 minutes compared to117 minutes, p Conclusion: Pre-hospital IVT on MSU compared to conventional care shortened the time to thrombolytic treatment and was associated with improved functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Mobile Stroke Units (MSU) allow for the administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) to eligible patients more quickly than those treated in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to describe whether patients who received IV tPA in the MSU had better short term outcomes than those treated in the ED. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who received IV tPA for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack on the MSU from 2014-2017 and in the ED from 2015-2017 at a single tertiary referral center. Outcome measures including symptom onset to treatment time, post-thrombolysis National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) over the first 24 hours, length of hospital stay, and disposition after discharge were compared. Results: Of 270 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and received IV tPA, 98 were treated on the MSU and 172 were treated in the ED. Both groups had similar pre-morbid modified Rankin scores and pre-treatment NIHSS. Patients treated on the MSU received IV tPA at a median of 76 minutes from their last known well (interquartile range (IQR) 56-117), while those in the ED were treated at a median of 116.5 minutes (IQR 84.75-162) (p Conclusion: Patients treated with IV tPA on the MSU had a shorter symptom onset to treatment time, a shorter length of stay, were discharged with a more favorable disposition, and had a lower NIHSS 24 hours after treatment than those who received treatment in the ED indicating favorable short term outcomes.

Introduction: Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion (ELVO) has low recanalization rates with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA). Ultra-early treatment with IV tPA, however, may lead to higher recanalization rates. Mobile stroke units (MSUs) have been shown to reduce treatment times. We compared the recanalization rates of ELVO patients treated on our MSUs against those treated in the traditional emergency department (ED) setting. Methods: We reviewed patients from two MSU programs who were identified to have ELVO treated either in the ED or on the MSU from August 2014 to July 2017. Demographics, imaging characteristics, times to treatment, and recanalization rates were collected and analyzed. Statistical comparison was performed utilizing chi-squared and t-tests. Results: One hundred ninety (34 treated on MSU, 156 treated in the ED) ELVO patients were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics including age (70 years MSU vs. 66 years in ED); sex (MSU 50% female vs. ED 46.8% female) and vessel occlusion location (ICA: MSU 23.5% vs. ED 25.2%; MCA: MSU 67.6% vs. ED 66.9%) were similar between the two groups. However, the MSU group had a higher initial median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (15.5 vs. 11.6; p = 0.01). The MSU group also had a shorter time from stroke onset to treatment (70 minutes vs. 126 minutes; p = 0.001). Recanalization of ELVO was seen more frequently on the MSU as compared to in the ED (29.4% vs. 22%; p=0.04). Conclusion: Higher recanalization rate of ELVO was observed with thrombolysis on mobile stroke units as compared to the emergency department.

Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are a major advancement in prehospital stroke treatment. Compared to standard care, current evidence shows MSUs are able to deliver intravenous alteplase faster, have higher rates of intravenous alteplase administration, and transport patients more often to appropriate levels of care. Though still in its early stages, prehospital stroke assessment with a MSU is becoming more widely recognized as an efficient, feasible, and integral component of acute advanced stroke systems of care. This chapter covers important concepts in the advent and growth of MSUs including time-based treatment benefit, clinical process efficiency, application of telemedicine, imaging capabilities, transport destination and triage, cost effectiveness, and clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Mobile stroke unit (MSU) allows for early intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) delivery in the pre-hospital setting and is ideal for investigation into early stroke therapy. We hypothesized that there are patient characteristics which influence the rapidity of IVT delivery and Door-To-Needle (DTN) time. Methods: We reviewed 124 patients treated with IVT on MSU from 2014-2017. Patient characteristics including age, initial National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), presence of aphasia, gaze deviation, focal motor weakness, history of atrial fibrillation, prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and presence of anticoagulation (AC) were analyzed with Rank-Sum test and multivariate regression. Results: Median door-to-needle (DTN) time was 29 minutes (interquartile range (IQR) 25-38). Median age was 63.5 years old and median initial NIHSS was 9 (IQR 6-16). Focal motor weakness was associated with shorter DTN times (29 minutes with weakness compared to 31 minutes without weakness, p = 0.01). Presence of anticoagulation was associated with longer DTN time (43 minutes with AC compared to 29 minutes without AC, p=0.04). Age, presence of aphasia, gaze deviation, total initial NIH stroke scale, history of atrial fibrillation, prior stroke or TIA were not associated with DTN times. In a multivariate regression model, focal motor weakness and history of anticoagulation but not age were associated with DTN times. Conclusion: Focal motor weakness is a notable initial patient characteristic which drives early IVT delivery and history of anticoagulation prolonged DTN in patients treated on MSU.

Introduction: Mobile stroke units (MSU) provide pre-hospital delivery of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. We hypothesize continued experience with MSU leads to improved DTN times and we aim to identify contributing process factors related to earlier IVT decisions. Methods: We reviewed all patients who received IVT on the MSU from 2014-2017. Process metrics included door to doctor (telemedicine log-in time), door to CT performance time, and door to needle (DTN) times. Times are reported as medians with interquartile ranges (IQR). We analyzed the individual factors compared to DTN time with linear regression. Results: A total of 124 patients have received IVT since our MSU initiation in 2014. The population’s median age was 63.5 (range, 25-99) years old with initial NIHSS 9 (IQR 6-16). The total group’s DTN median times was 29 minutes (IQR 29-38, fastest time 11 minutes), with a linear relationship showing improvement in DTN times since MSU initiation (p=0.01). Door to CT performance times have improved over time (14 minutes, IQR 9-18, p Conclusion: Earlier door-to-doctor access in a MSU suggests a role of parallel processing in shorter IVT decisions.

Introduction: Mobile stroke units (MSU) provide prehospital intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic strokes and transport to thrombectomy-capable stroke centers. Door-in-door-out (DIDO) time is recognized as a measure of efficient workflow for interhospital transfer of patients for thrombectomy. We applied this measure to the MSU and compared with our Primary Stroke Center (PSC) transfer process in patients presenting with large vessel occlusions. Methods: We identified 50 patients who underwent thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion in a retrospective review. Mode of transport included MSU (n=18), conventional ambulance from PSC to Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) (n=19), or directly presenting to a CSC (n=13) in 2016-2017. Measured outcomes included times for PSC DIDO, MSU DIDO (MSU door to scene departure), door-to-CT, door-to-needle (DTN), and door-to-groin. Results: Among thrombectomy patients, IVT was more likely to be administered in a MSU (55.6%, n=10), than either a PSC (36.8%, n=7) or CSC (38.5%, n=5). Door-to-CT completed times were significantly lower in the MSU versus PSC (27 vs. 44 minutes, p Conclusion: Advanced stroke systems of care which include a MSU are highly efficient in both IVT and transport for potential thrombectomy among patients presenting with large vessel occlusion. We introduce a concept of a MSU functioning as a mobile PSC, thus bypassing interhospital transfers.

Introduction: In pre-clinical studies, extended-release niacin has been shown to increase neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and angiogenesis in a rat model of experimental middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Using this animal model, extended-release niacin has been shown to improve functional outcomes in rats when compared to placebo, beginning 24 hours after experimental stroke. Methods: This was a phase IIa double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study (Henry Ford Health System funded; clinicaltrials.gov NCT00796887). At a single site (Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI), patients with ischemic stroke 3 to 7 days prior and NIHSS 4-20 were randomized to two doses of oral extended-release niacin (500 mg or 1000 mg daily) or placebo. Primary outcome measures were change in mRS or NIHSS from baseline to Week 24. Results: There were 27 patients enrolled in this study. Ten patients were randomized to extended-release niacin 500 mg, 7 to 1000mg, and 10 to placebo. No significant differences were seen in baseline characteristics of enrolled patients. Significant increases in HDL-C were seen from baseline to 24 weeks among extended-release niacin treated patients (12.5 mg/dL, p=0.035), but not in placebo-treated patients (6.2 mg/dL, p=0.157). Mean improvement in NIHSS from baseline to 24 weeks of treatment was similar for both extended-release niacin and placebo treated patients (6.5 vs. 6.1, p=0.845). No differences were seen in functional outcome (mRS) at 24 weeks between extended-release niacin and placebo treated patients (2.1 vs. 2.0, p=0.860). There were a total of 40 AEs, with 27 in the extended-release niacin group and 10 in the placebo group. For these AEs, no clear interaction with treatment group could be confirmed. Conclusions: Extended-release niacin administered for 24 weeks starting between 3 and 7 days after ischemic stroke demonstrated no improvement in functional outcome as compared to placebo. Extended-release niacin was overall well tolerated. Although this small exploratory study did not identify a signal for potential efficacy, useful sample size estimates were gleaned. Any future clinical investigations may benefit from the collection of additional clinical measures of motor or gait function to differentiate treatment effects.

Introduction: Mobile stroke units (MSU) deliver pre-hospital intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to patients with acute ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that time efficiencies with the MSU have improved over time with a dedicated team and experience. Methods: We reviewed 100 consecutive patients evaluated on the MSU from July-October 2014 (Group 1), compared to the most recent 100 patients April-July 2017 (Group 2). Collected data including initial NIHSS, patient age, door to CT performance time, door to CT read time, door to needle (DTN) time, alarm to IVT time, MSU scene arrival to departure time, and MSU alarm to back-in-service time were analyzed with rank sum test. Reported times are in medians with interquartile ranges (IQR). Results: Initial median NIHSS (6, IQR 3-12, p=0.78) and ages (65 years old, IQR 55-80, p=0.06) were comparable between the groups. Thrombolysis rate was 16% (n=16) in each cohort. Group 1’s DTN time declined from 31 to 23 minutes (p=0.01). Door to CT completion and read times were faster, at 17 versus 25 minutes (p Conclusion: While the MSU geographical range has extended, the alarm to IVT time has shortened, reflecting a learned experience by a specialized team.

Computed tomography (CT) is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of many clinical conditions. Several advancements in biomedical engineering have achieved increase in speed, improvements in low-contrast detectability and image quality, and lower radiation. Portable or mobile CT constituted one such important advancement. It is especially useful in evaluating critically ill, intensive care unit patients by scanning them at bedside. A paradigm shift in utilization of mobile CT was its installation in ambulances for the management of acute stroke. Given the time sensitive nature of acute ischemic stroke, Mobile stroke units (MSU) were developed in Germany consisting of an ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, point of care laboratory system, along with teleradiological support. In a radical reconfiguration of stroke care, the MSU would bring the CT scanner to the stroke patient, without waiting for the patient at the emergency room. Two separate MSU projects in Saarland and Berlin demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this concept for prehospital stroke care, showing increased rate of intravenous thrombolysis and significant reduction in time to treatment compared to conventional care. MSU also improved the triage of patients to appropriate and specialized hospitals. Although multiple issues remain yet unanswered with the MSU concept including clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness, the MSU venture is visionary and enables delivery of life-saving and enhancing treatment for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, we discuss the development of mobile CT and its applications, with specific focus on its use in MSUs along with our institution's MSU experience.

Introduction: Prehospital evaluation and response is vital to effective and early delivery of acute stroke treatment. We aimed to compare the times across various prehospital times among stroke patients arriving by municipal EMS and MSTU. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 107 patients with a final diagnosis of ischemic stroke within our hospital system from June 2014 to July 2015. We compared on scene arrival, hospital arrival, and time of physician assessment of patients evaluated on MSTU to traditional municipal EMS. Times are reported as medians and groups were compared by Rank-Sum Test. Results: Of 107 patients, 49 patients were evaluated by traditional EMS and 58 evaluated by MSTU. Time from dispatch to scene arrival was median 9 min (IQR 5.5 - 12min) in EMS group and median 12 min (IQR 8-16 min) n MSTU (p&lt0.01). Time on scene was 17 min (IQR 14 - 24min) in EMS group and median 42 min (IQR 36-48 min) in MSTU. There was no difference within the MSTU group in time on-scene among those treated with IV tpA (43 min) and those without (41 min, p=.08 ). After dispatch, patients arrived in hospital by EMS earlier (median 40 min, IQR 33-49min) than by MSTU (median 72 min, IQR 58-81min, p&lt.01), but patients on MSTU were evaluated by a physician at median 28 (IQR 21.5-34.5) min after dispatch. Conclusion: Early evaluation of ischemic stroke patients with MSTU, doubles the time on scene compared to municipal EMS.

Background: A mobile stroke unit (MSU) allows for early delivery for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA). A proportion of IV-tPA treated patients may turn out to be stroke mimics. We evaluated the rate and complications seen in stroke mimics treated with tPA from our early experience on MSU. Methods: Retrospective review of patients treated with IV-tPA on the MSU from 2014 to 2016. Charts were reviewed for confirmed strokes by imaging (MRI or CT) and hemorrhagic transformation. Stroke mimics were defined as those without imaging evidence of infarction and a final diagnosis which was not suspected to be stroke. Results: Among 62 patients treated with IV-tPA, 14 (28.6%) had a final diagnosis consistent with a stroke mimics. The majority of these occurred in the first year of the MSU program. Most common mimics included conversion disorder (n=5) and seizures (n=5). While the last known well to IV-tPA times were similar, the MSU door-to-needle time was significantly longer in stroke mimics (38 vs 31 minutes, p = 0.03). No intracerebral hemorrhages or other IV-tPA related complications were identified in the stroke mimics group. Conclusions: In our early experience with MSU, treatment of stroke mimics occurred without IV-tPA related complications. This does not appear to be due to rushed decision making.

Introduction: The Department of Health and Human Services and Food and Drug Administration described guidelines for exception from informed consent (EFIC) research. These guidelines require community consultation (CC) events, which allow members of the community to understand the study, provide feedback and give advice. A real-time gauge of audience understanding would allow the speaker to modify the discussion. The objective of the study is to describe the use of audience response survey (ARS) technology in EFIC CCs. Methods: As part of the Rapid Anticonvulsant Medication Prior to Arrival Trial (RAMPART), 13 CC events were conducted. We prepared a PowerPoint™ presentation with 4 embedded ARS questions,according to specific IRB guidelines to ensure that the pertinent information would reach our targeted audience. During 6 CCs, an ARS was used to gauge audience comprehension. Participants completed paper surveys regarding their opinion of the study following each CC. Results: The ARS was used with minimal explanation and only one ARS was lost. Greater than 80% of the participants correctly answered 3 of the 4 ARS questions with 61% correctly answering the question regarding EFIC. A total of 105 participants answered the paper survey; 80-90% of the responses to the paper survey were either strongly agree or agree. The average scores on the paper survey in the ARS sites compared to the non-ARS sites were significantly more positive. Conclusion: The use of an audience response system during the community consultation aspects of EFIC is feasible and provides a real-time assessment of audience comprehension of the study and EFIC process. It may improve the community’s opinion and support of the study. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(4):414-418.]

The etiology of cerebral ischemia is undetermined in one-third of patients upon discharge. Occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is considered a potential etiology. A high rate of PAF detection with 21-day mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) has been reported in two small studies. Optimal monitoring duration and factors predicting PAF have not been adequately defined.We performed a retrospective analysis on patients evaluated by MCOT monitoring within 6 months of a cryptogenic stroke or TIA. Multivariate analysis with survival regression methods was performed using baseline characteristics to determine predictive risk factors for detection of PAF. Kaplan-Meier estimates were computed for 21-day PAF rates.We analyzed 156 records; PAF occurred in 27 of 156 (17.3%) patients during MCOT monitoring of up to 30 days. The rate of PAF detection significantly increased from 3.9% in the initial 48 h, to 9.2% at 7 days, 15.1% at 14 days, and 19.5% by 21 days (p0.05). Female gender, premature atrial complex on ECG, increased left atrial diameter, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and greater stroke severity were independent predictors of PAF detection on multivariate analysis with strongest correlation seen for premature atrial complex on ECG (HR 13.7, p=0.001).MCOT frequently detects PAF in patients with cryptogenic stroke and TIA. Length of monitoring is strongly associated with detection of PAF, with an optimal monitoring period of at least 21 days. Of the predictors of PAF detection, the presence of premature atrial complexes on ECG held the strongest correlation with PAF.

Background— The implantation of left atrial appendage closure device (WATCHMAN, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) is an alternative option to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Patients require short-term OAC after implantation to avoid device thrombosis. The 2 clinical trials that assessed this device excluded patients thought not to be candidates for OAC. As such, little is known about the safety of this strategy in patients with previous major bleeding events. Methods and Results— All 20 consecutive patients with history of spontaneous major bleeding while on OAC who had subsequently undergone WATCHMAN device implantation at our institution were included. A newly conceived multidisciplinary Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention Center evaluated patients for candidacy for device implantation and subsequent antithrombotic therapy. The primary outcome was spontaneous major bleeding while receiving short-term postprocedural OAC. Median CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 5 (quartiles 5–6) and 5 (quartiles 4–5), respectively. Previous major bleeding events were major gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, spontaneous hemopericardium with cardiac tamponade, and hemarthrosis in 11, 7, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. None of the patients had spontaneous major bleeding during the course of OAC after device implantation. In 1 patient, OAC was discontinued after 40 days because of mechanical fall with head trauma resulting in subdural hematoma with no associated neurological deficits; this was managed conservatively. Conclusions— With careful multidisciplinary evaluation, a short course of OAC after WATCHMAN device implantation in patients with previous spontaneous major bleeding events is associated with low risk of recurrent spontaneous major bleeding.

Objective:To compare the times to evaluation and thrombolytic treatment of patients treated with a telemedicine-enabled mobile stroke treatment unit (MSTU) vs those among patients brought to the emergency department (ED) via a traditional ambulance.Methods:We implemented a MSTU with telemedicine at our institution starting July 18, 2014. A vascular neurologist evaluated each patient via telemedicine and a neuroradiologist and vascular neurologist remotely assessed images obtained by the MSTU CT. Data were entered in a prospective registry. The evaluation and treatment of the first 100 MSTU patients (July 18, 2014–November 1, 2014) was compared to a control group of 53 patients brought to the ED via a traditional ambulance in 2014. Times were expressed as medians with their interquartile ranges.Results:Patient and stroke severity characteristics were similar between 100 MSTU and 53 ED control patients (initial NIH Stroke Scale score 6 vs 7, p = 0.679). There was a significant reduction of median alarm-to-CT scan completion times (33 minutes MSTU vs 56 minutes controls, p < 0.0001), median alarm-to-thrombolysis times (55.5 minutes MSTU vs 94 minutes controls, p < 0.0001), median door-to-thrombolysis times (31.5 minutes MSTU vs 58 minutes controls, p = 0.0012), and symptom-onset-to-thrombolysis times (97 minutes MSTU vs 122.5 minutes controls, p = 0.0485). Sixteen patients evaluated on MSTU received thrombolysis, 25% of whom received it within 60 minutes of symptom onset.Conclusion:Compared with the traditional ambulance model, telemedicine-enabled ambulance-based thrombolysis resulted in significantly decreased time to imaging and treatment.

Objective: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an under-recognized yet treatable cause of stroke. No animal model exists for stroke caused by VZV infection of cerebral arteries. Thus, we analyzed cerebral and temporal arteries from 3 patients with VZV vasculopathy to identify features that will help in diagnosis and lead to a better understanding of VZV-induced vascular remodeling. Methods: Normal and VZV-infected cerebral and temporal arteries were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry using antibodies directed against VZV, endothelium, and smooth muscle actin and myosin. Results: All VZV-infected arteries contained 1) a disrupted internal elastic lamina; 2) a hyperplastic intima composed of cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-myosin) but not endothelial cells expressing CD31; and 3) decreased medial smooth muscle cells. The location of VZV antigen, degree of neointimal thickening, and disruption of the media were related to the duration of disease. Conclusions: The presence of VZV primarily in the adventitia early in infection and in the media and intima later supports the notion that after reactivation from ganglia, VZV spreads transaxonally to the arterial adventitia followed by transmural spread of virus. Disruption of the internal elastic lamina, progressive intimal thickening with cells expressing α-SMA and SM-MHC, and decreased smooth muscle cells in the media are characteristic features of VZV vasculopathy. Stroke in VZV vasculopathy may result from changes in arterial caliber and contractility produced in part by abnormal accumulation of smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts in thickened neointima and disruption of the media.

Introduction Detection of atrial fibrillation in patients presenting with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is important for the prevention of future events. We sought to develop a scoring system that would identify those patients most likely to have atrial fibrillation. Methods Records from an inpatient stroke and TIA database and echocardiographic data were reviewed. Consecutive acute stroke and TIA patients over the age of 18 who were admitted during a two-year period were studied. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify variables associated with atrial fibrillation. Logistic regression analyses were used to develop a scoring system for atrial fibrillation. Results 953 patient charts were reviewed; 145 patients (15%) had atrial fibrillation. In univariate and multivariate analyses, variables that were significantly associated with atrial fibrillation included left atrial diameter, age, and diagnosis of stroke. A history of smoking showed an inverse association. A 6-point scoring system based on these variables (with the acronym of LADS) was developed. A score of 4 or greater was associated with a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 53.1%. Approximately 47% of stroke and TIA patients would be excluded from further investigation using this score. Conclusions We describe a system of scoring that identifies acute stroke and TIA patients with a greater chance of having atrial fibrillation. An inverse relationship with smoking was found. Further prospective studies are required to determine the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of this scoring system in clinical practice and to investigate the inverse relationship between smoking and atrial fibrillation in this population.

Reduced serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in elderly men. The temporal and quantitative relationships between HDL-C and acute ischemic stroke have not been defined.We identified patients with first ever acute ischemic stroke presenting to our hospital between 2003 and 2006. Patients with serum fasting lipid levels drawn within 24 h of admission and at least one follow-up visit with a neurologist in our hospital were included. Clinical and laboratory data before, immediately after, and several weeks after the index stroke were collected.191 patients were included (47% women, mean age 62 years). The mean time interval between pre-stroke lipid data and index stroke was 5.2 months; 50% of these patients were taking a statin medication. The mean time interval between index stroke and follow-up lipid testing was 2.6 months. Immediately after the index stroke, HDL-C levels decreased by 18% (p0.001) relative to pre-stroke levels. This phenomenon was independent of stroke severity, and was blunted among patients with a prior history of myocardial infarction (p0.01). HDL-C levels increased to pre-stroke levels within 3 months post-stroke.HDL-C levels decrease significantly at the time of acute ischemic stroke. Prior history of myocardial infarction diminishes HDL-C depression at the time of stroke. HDL-C may be an acute phase reactant or nascent biomarker of acute stroke susceptibility. Further prospective studies are needed.

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy produces stroke secondary to viral infection of cerebral arteries. Not all patients have rash before cerebral ischemia or stroke. Furthermore, other vasculitides produce similar clinical features and comparable imaging, angiographic, and CSF abnormalities. Methods: We review our 23 published cases and 7 unpublished cases of VZV vasculopathy. All CSFs were tested for VZV DNA by PCR and anti-VZV IgG antibody and were positive for either or both. Results: Among 30 patients, rash occurred in 19 (63%), CSF pleocytosis in 20 (67%), and imaging abnormalities in 29 (97%). Angiography in 23 patients revealed abnormalities in 16 (70%). Large and small arteries were involved in 15 (50%), small arteries in 11 (37%), and large arteries in only 4 (13%) of 30 patients. Average time from rash to neurologic symptoms and signs was 4.1 months, and from neurologic symptoms and signs to CSF virologic analysis was 4.2 months. CSF of 9 (30%) patients contained VZV DNA while 28 (93%) had anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF; in each of these patients, reduced serum/CSF ratio of VZV IgG confirmed intrathecal synthesis. Conclusions: Rash or CSF pleocytosis is not required to diagnose varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy, whereas MRI/CT abnormalities are seen in almost all patients. Most patients had mixed large and small artery involvement. Detection of anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF was a more sensitive indicator of VZV vasculopathy than detection of VZV DNA ( p GLOSSARY: EIA = enzyme immunoabsorbent assay; VZV = varicella zoster virus.

Computed tomography (CT) is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of many clinical conditions. Several advancements in biomedical engineering have achieved increase in speed, improvements in low-contrast detectability and image quality, and lower radiation. Portable or mobile CT constituted one such important advancement. It is especially useful in evaluating critically ill, intensive care unit patients by scanning them at bedside. A paradigm shift in utilization of mobile CT was its installation in ambulances for the management of acute stroke. Given the time sensitive nature of acute ischemic stroke, Mobile stroke units (MSU) were developed in Germany consisting of an ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, point of care laboratory system, along with teleradiological support. In a radical reconfiguration of stroke care, the MSU would bring the CT scanner to the stroke patient, without waiting for the patient at the emergency room. Two separate MSU projects in Saarland and Berlin demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this concept for prehospital stroke care, showing increased rate of intravenous thrombolysis and significant reduction in time to treatment compared to conventional care. MSU also improved the triage of patients to appropriate and specialized hospitals. Although multiple issues remain yet unanswered with the MSU concept including clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness, the MSU venture is visionary and enables delivery of life-saving and enhancing treatment for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, we discuss the development of mobile CT and its applications, with specific focus on its use in MSUs along with our institution's MSU experience.

A 75-year-old woman developed periorbital pain and blurred vision OS. Visual acuity (VA) was 20/40 OD, 20/400 OS with mild left relative afferent pupillary defect (APD). Left optic nerve was swollen and hyperemic with peripapillary flame hemorrhages (figure, A). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 124 mm/h. She was treated with IV methylprednisolone, 250 mg every 6 h. On day 3, headache and vision improved. ESR was 98 mm/h and C-reactive protein was 1.40 mg/L. Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies titers were negative. On day 4, left temporal artery biopsy revealed thickened intima and intact internal elastic lamina (figure, B) but no medial necrosis characteristic of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Sections of the temporal artery were deparaffinized and incubated with 10% normal sheep serum (NSS) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 1 hour at room temperature, rinsed 3 times in PBS, and incubated overnight at 4°C with polyclonal antibodies raised against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frame 63 protein (1:1,000 dilution) or with normal rabbit serum (1:1,000 dilution). The next day, sections were washed 3 times in PBS, incubated with a 1:300 dilution of biotinylated goat antirabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) in PBS containing 5% NSS, washed 3 times in PBS, incubated for 1 hour at room temperature with alkaline phosphatase–conjugated streptavidin (1:100 dilution), and washed 3 times with PBS. The color reaction was developed for 5–30 minutes with fresh fuchsin substrate system. Levamisole was added to the color reaction to block endogenous phosphatase. Uninfected and VZV-infected human fibroblast lung cells were used as controls (not shown). Steroids were changed to oral prednisone 60 mg daily. On day 7, brain MRI with gadolinium was negative. On day 9, pain and vision worsened. On day 11, orbital CT and head CT angiography were negative. On day 15, VA was 20/400 OS with relative left APD. On day 17, OS became blind without direct pupillary light reaction; fundus was obscured by vitreous hemorrhage. CSF contained 8 leukocytes/mm3, protein 72 mg/L, and glucose 54 mg/L. CSF cultures for bacteria, fungi, acid-fast bacilli, and cytology were negative. Because asymptomatic temporal artery biopsy was GCA-negative, VZV ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) was considered, and she was treated with IV acyclovir, 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for 7 days. On day 31, CSF contained anti-VZV IgG but not anti-herpes simplex virus IgG antibody, and serum-to-CSF ratio of anti-VZV IgG was reduced (14) compared to ratios for total IgG (121) and albumin (81). Immunohistochemistry and pathology revealed VZV antigen and neutrophils in the original left temporal artery specimen (figure, C). On day 31, she was treated with oral valacyclovir, 1 gram TID for 6 weeks; prednisone was reduced to 20 mg daily and tapered 5 mg/week. Six weeks later, pain resolved, and VA improved to finger counting. Left optic nerve was pale with clear margins and resolution of hemorrhage.

Objective The utilisation of a multi-factorial approach to evaluating relevant neuro-cognitive and motor function is a critical element in effective and comprehensive concussion management. In this project, normative data were gathered utilising the Cleveland Clinic Concussion (C3) iPad Application in youth, high school and college athletes. Design Prospective normative study. Setting Field-based. Participants Pre-season C3 data were collected in more the 6,500 youth (N=607), high school (N=5415) and college (N=744) athletes; approximately 32% females. Data were collected between Fall 2014 and Spring 2015. Interventions NA. Outcome measures Neurocognitive assessment modules of C3 include information processing (simple and choice reaction time), attention and working memory (Trail Making Test) and postural stability. Balance is quantified through biomechanical processing of accelerometer and gyroscope data gathered from the iPad during performance of the BESS. Main results No gender effects were present for performance on the neurocognitive modules; however, postural stability was significantly worse for youth males compared to female peers (P Conclusions Slower neurocognitive performance in youth relative to older athletes underscores the need to utilise age appropriate normative data in the management of concussion, particularly if no baseline is acquired. The control of postural stability develops at different rates as a function of age and gender, therefore balance assessment across the injury spectrum must utilise specific age-gender normative values. Competing interests JLA, SML and SBO have authored intellectual property associated with the mobile application presented in this study.

Objective To characterise neurologic impairment and recovery associated with concussion in youths and young adults using the Cleveland Clinic Concussion application (C3 app). Design Retrospective observational study Setting Concussion clinic at an academic medical centre Participants 181 student-athletes aged 14–20 diagnosed with concussion by a Cleveland Clinic physician were included. Intervention C3 data were collected pre-season and at least once post-injury. At least one clinical examination by a physician was obtained to characterise clinical impairments. Individuals were stratified into two groups based on recovery time: typical Outcome measures The following modules of the C3 app were administered across groups: 1) Graded symptom checklist (GSC); 2) Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC); 3) Trail Making Test; 4) Simple and Choice Reaction Time; 5) Processing Speed Test; 6) Biomechanical quantification of balance during the BESS. Main results At baseline, both groups performed similarly on all modules. However, significant differences were evident at 21 days post-injury in the protracted recovery group with worse performance in: simple and choice reaction time (p Conclusions An approach that utilises objective and quantitative measures to characterise multiple aspects of neurocognitive and motor function are more sensitive than traditional measures of concussion assessment. These new outcomes provide value in the stratification of patients and their potential time to recovery. Competing interests JLA and SML have authored intellectual property associated with the mobile application presented in this study. The remaining authors declare no competing interest. None.

Objective To characterise specific measures of neurologic dysfunction and recovery associated with concussion in student-athletes using the clinical examination and Cleveland Clinic Concussion application (C3 app). Design Retrospective observational study Setting Tertiary sports concussion clinic Participants 181 student-athletes aged 14-20 diagnosed with concussion by a Cleveland Clinic physician were included. Interventions C3 data were collected pre-season, and at least once post-injury, along with a physician clinical examination. Individuals were stratified into two groups based on recovery time: typical Outcome measures Near point convergence (NPC) and the following modules of the C3 app were administered: 1) Graded symptom checklist (GSC); 2) Standardised Assessment of Concussion (SAC); 3) Trail Making Test (TMT); 4) Simple and Choice Reaction Time; 5) Processing Speed Test (PST); 6) Biomechanical quantification of balance during the BESS. Main results At baseline, both groups performed similarly on all C3 modules. Significant differences in NPC were seen among the typical versus protracted group (mean 7.62 cm versus 13.57 cm, p=0.0002). Also, significantly worse performance among the protracted group was seen in GSC (p=0.0001), and measures affected by vestibulo-ocular dysfunction including biomechanical quantification of BESS (p Conclusions Abnormal NPC or convergence insufficiency is associated with protracted recovery and should be included in the assessment of student-athletes at baseline and post-injury. Identification of vestibulo-ocular dysfunction helps guide post-concussion assessment, treatment, and return-to-play decision-making. Competing interests Bob Gray, Rick Figler, Jason Cruickshank, Maureen Lally, Tanujit Day: None. Susan Linder and Jay Alberts have authored intellectual property associated with the mobile application presented in this study.

Objective Collect head impact dose data in young athletes, using an instrumented mouthguard validated per NFL specification. Compare theses doses with published concussive head impact data. Design Prospective, cross-sectional Setting Calibrate an instrumented mouthguard head impact dosimeter in laboratory on Hybrid III (HIII) dummy. Collect young athlete non-concussive head impacts on playing field using this dosimeter. Compare these doses to published concussion doses from adult American footballers. Participants Young American footballers and boxers, n=12, ages 10–21. IRB #13–899. Assessment of risk factors Single head impact doses, signs/symptoms of concussion. Outcome measures National Football League (NFL) validity specifications for laboratory testing, head kinematics, presence/absence of concussion. Main results 177 non-concussive head impact doses were identified. Apparent overlap between non-concussive mouthguard doses and published concussion helmet doses from Rowson et al, (2012) was found. Mouthguard dosimeter meets NFL validity specifications set forth by Siegmund & Guskiewicz et al. (2016) up to 123 g and 7320 rad/s2. Conclusions The mouthguard dosimeter meets the NFL laboratory validity specifications. In human tests, 177 non-concussive, asymptomatic head impacts were measured. Young athlete mouthguard-measured head impact doses (up to 62 g, 4470 rad/s2) had apparent overlap with concussion doses reported from adult athletes wearing instrumented helmets. The overlap may be due to individual concussion tolerance variability, differences in dosimeter accuracy, or peak acceleration magnitude being an insufficient concussion metric. Accurate dosimeter monitoring may be useful in the future to limit play once a certain dose is reached, or to identify dangerous impacts that may have not been observed by the caregiver. Competing interests Bartsch/Samorezov/Benzel/Miele – Cleveland Clinic has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Prevent Biometrics for Intelligent Mouthguard technology on which the Authors (AB, SS, EB, VM) are inventors. AB & SS are also paid consultants of Prevent Biometrics. AB, EB and VM are – members of Prevent Biometrics’ Scientific Advisory Panel. Under terms of these agreements there is potential for fee-for-service payments, royalties and/or equity arising from commercialization of head impact measurement and/or head impact safety product(s). The conflicts disclosed here are managed by the Cleveland Clinic Conflict Management Board. Complete details can be found at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ccf/media/files/About/COI.pdf. These authors also receive research support from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Transportation, Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University and Rawlings Sporting Goods. Alberts – as of 4/30/2015, Dr. Alberts has reported a financial relationship and may receive future financial benefits from the Cleveland Clinic for inventions or discoveries commercialised through i-COMET Technologies, Inc Bernick – as of 5/10/2016, Dr. Bernick has reported financial relationships as a paid consultant, speaker or member of an advisory committee for the following companies: Allergan. Dr. Bernick also receives research support from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Haymon Boxing, Spike TV, Home Box Office Inc. (HBO) and Top Rank Boxing Inc. Brett – Dr. Brett is an Officer in Prevent Biometrics, and sub-awardee on federally funded grants from Cleveland Clinic. Figler, Gray, Russman – None.

Objective To develop and utilise a custom mobile application to provide a portable yet systematic method to characterise injury demographics, post-injury disposition, and immediate medical care of sport-related concussion in youth, high school and college settings. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting Academic medical centre. Participants Athletes under the care of Cleveland Clinic Concussion Centre clinicians from August 5, 2014-March 1, 2016. The sample included youth (n=110), high school (n=1175) and college (n=309) athletes; approximately 35% of the sample were female. Intervention Electronic incident reports were completed on all student-athletes with suspected concussion to triage injury severity, document injury-related demographics along with immediate medical management. Total time to complete the incident report was less than three minutes. Outcome measures Sport, mechanism of injury, red flags, immediate symptoms, and post-injury disposition were recorded for all participants. Main results Football and soccer represented the greatest frequency of injury across males and females respectively. Despite significantly fewer red flags in youth, they were sent to the emergency department four times more frequently (22%) than high school or college athletes (5%). Conclusions The systematic characterisation of injury profiles indicates athletes across the continuum of age share general characteristics in terms of incidence as a function of sport and setting (practice vs. competition). The disproportional disposition to emergency departments, despite the absence of red flags, indicates a more conservative approach to youth concussion triage compared to high school and college athletes. Competing interests None.

IA thrombolysis demonstrates significant recanalization efficacy compared to placebo and IV rt-PA for patients with large vessel occlusions. However, IA thrombolysis has not been shown to be superior to IV rt-PA in IV rt-PA eligible patients. IA stroke thrombolysis is still evolving and there has been no standardization of patient selection, neuro-interventional techniques, or adjunctive therapy. IA fibrinolytics are rarely used as the sole IA therapy. Mechanical clot removal using devices designed for this purpose, new catheter techniques, and new adjunctive antithrombotic agents should improve the degree, speed and safety of IA recanalization. The number of patients subjected to unnecessary angiography and futile IA intervention can potentially be reduced by the emergent performance of non-invasive vascular screening and by identifying salvageable brain tissue thru new technologies such as perfusion-diffusion MRI. Lastly, IA thrombolysis can be combined not only with IV thrombolysis, but also with cytoprotective strategies to improve patient outcomes after acute ischemic stroke. There remain many challenges for IA thrombolysis which will require the design of focused clinical trials.

We sought to determine the rate of urine toxicology screening, differences in testing, and outcomes among patients with stroke and TIA presenting to a tertiary care emergency department.In this retrospective cohort study, patients admitted with stroke or TIA to a single tertiary care stroke center between June 2005 and January 2007 were identified through a stroke database. Factors that predicted urine toxicology screening of patients and a positive test, and discharge outcomes of patients based on toxicology result were analyzed. Stroke severity, treatment with tissue plasminogen activator, discharge status, and stroke etiology were compared between toxicology positive and negative patients.A total of 1,024 patients were identified: 704 with ischemic stroke, 133 with intracerebral hemorrhage, and 205 with TIA. Urine toxicology screening was performed in 420 patients (40%); 11% of these studies were positive for cocaine (19% younger than 50 years and 9% 50 years or older). Factors that significantly predicted the performance of a urine toxicology screen were younger age (50 years) and black race (0.001). Positive toxicology screens occurred in a broad range of patients. There were no significant differences in admission NIH Stroke Scale score, stroke etiology, and discharge status between toxicology-positive and -negative patients.In this study, patients with stroke and TIA who were young and black were more likely to have urine toxicology screening. Eleven percent of all tested patients (and 9% of patients 50 years or older) were positive for cocaine. To avoid disparities, we suggest that all stroke and TIA patients be tested.

Introduction: In one-third of patients discharged with stroke or TIA the etiology of the event remains undetermined. Occult paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was reported as a potential etiology. The factors predicting PAF in these patients have not been defined. Hypothesis: 1) A high rate of PAF can be detected during 21 days of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT). 2) There will be a set of risk factors which can predict the detection of PAF with MCOT. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients evaluated by MCOT monitoring within 6 months of a cryptogenic stroke or TIA. The ECG data were analyzed with an algorithm verified against the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Multivariate analysis with survival regression analysis was performed using demographic, clinical, neuroimaging and cardiac imaging characteristics to determine predictive risk factors for detection of PAF on MCOT. Kaplan-Meier estimates were computed for the 21-day PAF rates. Results: We analyzed 156 records; 97% of patients were not on anticoagulation. PAF occurred in 27 of 156 (17.3%) patients during MCOT monitoring of up to 30 days. The rate of PAF detection significantly increased from 3.9% in the initial 48hrs, to 9.2% at 7 days, to 15.1% at 14 days, and to 19.5% by 21 days (pfigure ). Multivariate analysis defined several independent predictors of PAF detection ( table ). Premature atrial complex (PAC) on baseline ECG held the strongest correlation with PAF (HR 13.65, p=0.001). Conclusion: MCOT is a robust diagnostic tool for the identification of PAF in patients with cryptogenic stroke and TIA. Length of monitoring is strongly associated with the likelihood of detection of PAF. Female gender, PAC on ECG, increased left atrial diameter (LAD), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF) and greater NIHSS increase the likelihood of PAF detection.

Objective To demonstrate varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in an asymptomatic extracranial (temporal) artery in a patient with ischemic optic neuropathy produced by VZV vasculopathy in whom the pathological changes were mistakenly identified as giant cell arteritis. Design Case report. Setting Teaching hospital, pathology and virology laboratory. Patient An 80-year-old man with left ophthalmic distribution zoster who developed left ischemic optic neuropathy. Intervention An ipsilateral temporal artery biopsy revealed inflammation that was mistakenly identified as giant cell arteritis. The patient was initially treated with steroids but his condition did not improve. When the diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy was confirmed virologically and the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir, his vision improved. Results Pathological and virological studies provided proof of VZV vasculopathy in the asymptomatic temporal artery. Varicella zoster virus antigen was abundant in arterial adventitia and scattered throughout the media. With intravenous antiviral therapy, the patient's vision improved. Conclusion Although in previously studied patients who died of chronic VZV vasculopathy after 10 to 12 months, VZV antigen was present exclusively in the intima, collective analyses of chronic cases and the asymptomatic VZV-infected temporal artery suggest that virus enters arteries through the adventitia and spreads transmurally to the intima.

The authors reviewed their experience in 7 cases of nonacute intracranial occlusions and near occlusions in which the patients underwent intracranial angioplasty and stent implantation for direct cerebral revascularization.Between 2005 and 2008, 4 men and 3 women underwent direct cerebral revascularization of nonacute intracerebral occlusions or near occlusions. Five patients had chronic angiographically documented occlusion and 2 patients had chronic angiographically documented near occlusions. The locations of the treated vessels included 2 supraclinoid internal carotid arteries, 4 middle cerebral arteries, and 1 vertebral artery. Prior to intervention, all patients were symptomatic and experienced strokes ipsilateral to their occlusions. In addition, all patients had clinical or radiographic evidence of ongoing hemodynamic compromise. Five patients underwent successful intracranial angioplasty and stent placement and 2 patients underwent successful intracranial balloon angioplasty alone. The mean time from documented vessel occlusion to treatment was 35 days. All patients had successful revascularization determined using the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale: TICI Score 3, 2b, and 2a in 4, 2, and 1 patient, respectively, and the mean residual stenosis was 38%.After uneventful technical procedures, 1 patient suffered a perforator vessel stroke and 1 patient suffered a fatal hemorrhage. Mean modified Rankin Scale score of 2 (range 1-5) and mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 (range 1-6) were achieved during a mean clinical follow-up period of 399 days (range 1-840 days). Asymptomatic restenosis was documented in 4 patients, 1 underwent bypass retreatment, and 1 patient received repeated balloon angioplasty.Combined intracranial angioplasty and stent placement is a potential treatment option in selected patients for the direct revascularization of nonacute intracranial occlusions and near occlusions. Whether this represents a substantial risk reduction compared with the best medical therapy or a long-lasting treatment option is unknown.

Background In several animal studies of young and aged rats with ischemic stroke, treatment with sildenafil improved functional outcomes compared with placebo. We conducted a safety study of sildenafil (25 mg daily for 2 weeks) shortly after ischemic stroke onset. Methods We recruited patients aged 18 to 80 years with ischemic stroke, National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score 2 to 21, between days 2 and 9 after symptom onset. Patients were treated with sildenafil for 2 weeks (25 mg daily). The primary outcome measure was the adverse occurrence of any of the following during the treatment period: stroke worsening, new stroke, myocardial infarction, vision loss, hearing loss, or death from any cause. Secondary outcome measures were NIHSS score, Barthel indices, and modified Rankin score at 90 days. Results Twelve patients were recruited. Mean age was 57 years, 5 were female, and median NIHSS score at entry was 9.5 (range 2-20). The primary outcome measure occurred in one patient (sudden death). Another patient committed suicide 2 months after study entry (and 6 weeks after treatment with sildenafil had been completed). Among the 10 survivors, at 90 days, median NIHSS score was 2 (range 0-12), median Barthel index was 95 (range 15-100), and median modified Rankin score was 1.5 (range 0-5). Conclusions Sildenafil (25 mg daily for 2 weeks) appeared to be safe in this group of patients with mild to moderately severe stroke. Further studies of higher doses will be tested.

Background: Factors that may obscure the diagnosis of varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy include the absence of rash before TIAs or stroke as well as similar clinical features and imaging, angiographic, and CSF abnormalities to those of other vasculopathies. Diagnosis relies on virologic confirmation that detects VZV DNA, anti-VZV IgG antibody, or both in the CSF.Methods: We reviewed our current 14 cases of patients diagnosed with VZV vasculopathy based on combined clinical, imaging, angiographic, or CSF abnormalities. All CSFs must have been tested for VZV DNA by PCR and for anti-VZV IgG antibody by enzyme immunoassay and found to be positive for either or both. Of the 14 subjects, 8 had a history of recent zoster, whereas 6 had no history of zoster rash before developing vasculopathy.Results: All 14 subjects (100%) had anti-VZV IgG antibody in their CSF, whereas only 4 (28%) had VZV DNA. The detection of anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF was a more sensitive indicator of VZV vasculopathy than detection of VZV DNA (p < 0.001).Conclusions: In varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy, the diagnostic value of detecting anti-VZV IgG antibody in CSF is greater than that of detecting VZV DNA. Although a positive PCR for VZV DNA in CSF is helpful, a negative PCR does not exclude the diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy. Only when the CSF is negative for both VZV DNA and anti-VZV IgG antibody can the diagnosis of VZV vasculopathy be excluded.

Three-quarters of all strokes are managed outside of academic medical centers, making optimization of stroke care in the community setting a central part of minimizing the disability from stroke. In addition, the care of stroke patients crosses multiple different components of the health care system and requires a multifaceted and coordinated approach. This article reviews the current status of stroke care across the care continuum and reviews methods found to be effective in educating the public and organizing regional delivery of hyperacute stroke care. Successful community-based stroke care models and current national initiatives in improving hospital management are discussed. Local implementation of these strategies provides an exciting opportunity to improve outcomes after stroke.

Objective The aim of this study was to validate a portable method of objectively quantifying postural stability using accelerometer and gyroscopic data from the iPad2 during BESS. Design Participants completed the six 20 s BESS conditions. BESS errors were recorded by trained evaluators. Linear and angular acceleration were simultaneously collected via the iPad2 accelerometer and gyroscope. Setting Academic medical center. Participants Fifty healthy participants aged 14–25 with no concussion in previous 6 months. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome measures were evaluator-reported errors and natural-logarithmic volume of a 3D ellipsoid (iVE) encompassing 95% of postural sway data. The iVE characterises movement along anterior–posterior, medial-lateral, and trunk-rotational movement axes. It was hypothesised that iVE would provide a more sensitive assessment of postural stability than traditional BESS error scoring. Results For the two double-leg stance conditions, BESS error scores were nearly identical, as few participants made errors. However, iVE data indicated a significant difference in stability between these conditions, as iVE for double-leg stance on firm surface was 0.3±0.16 s 3 while iVE on foam was 3.4±0.16 s 3 . Conclusions The objective data gathered using a consumer electronics device provides a reliable and valid assessment of postural stability and increases the sensitivity of the BESS. Accordingly, it is recommended that all six BESS conditions be completed in order to fulfill the current Zurich recommendation of a comprehensive balance assessment. We are currently using the ‘C3 App’ and BESS in the collection of baseline data in 12 000 high school and college athletes.

Objective: In one-third of patients discharged with stroke or TIA the etiology of the event remains undetermined. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is reported as a potential etiology. The factors predicting PAF in these patients have not been defined. This study aims to define these factors and duration of remote cardiac telemetry needed to detect PAF. Background 1) A high rate of PAF can be detected during 21 days of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT). 2) There will be a set of risk factors which can predict the detection of PAF with MCOT. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients evaluated by MCOT monitoring within 6 months of a cryptogenic stroke or TIA. The ECG data were analyzed with an algorithm verified against the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Multivariate analysis with survival regression analysis was performed using demographic, clinical, neuroimaging and cardiac imaging characteristics to determine predictive risk factors for detection of PAF on MCOT. Kaplan-Meier estimates were computed for the 21-day PAF rates. Results: We analyzed 156 records; 97% of patients were not on anticoagulation. PAF occurred in 27 of 156 (17.3%) patients during MCOT monitoring of up to 30 days. The rate of PAF detection significantly increased from 3.9% in the initial 48hrs, to 9.2% at 7 days, to 15.1% at 14 days, and to 19.5% by 21 days (p Conclusions: MCOT is a robust diagnostic tool for the identification of PAF in patients with cryptogenic stroke and TIA. Length of monitoring is strongly associated with the likelihood of detection of PAF. Female gender, PAC on ECG, increased left atrial diameter (LAD), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and greater NIHSS increase the likelihood of PAF detection. Disclosure: Dr. Khan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schultz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Simpson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Russman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mitsias has nothing to disclose.

Background We tested the feasibility of a mandated multidisciplinary carotid revascularization board (MDCB) to review, approve and monitor all carotid artery and stenting (CAS) procedures and outcomes at our institution. Methods The board was composed of vascular surgeons, cardiologists, interventional neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists, who met weekly to facilitate an evidence-based, consensus recommendation to ensure appropriate CAS referral. Results The board successfully reviewed and continues to review and approve all CAS procedures at our center. Of the 69 patients considered high risk for standard surgical treatment, 42 patients were symptomatic and 27 patients were asymptomatic. Their mean age was 70.5-year-old and the median degree of stenosis was 79%. In the 74 procedures, periprocedural complications occurred at the following rates: 2.7% death, 2.7% major stroke, 2.7% minor stroke, and 2.7% myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days of the procedure. At 1 year the primary endpoints of ipsilateral stroke and neurovascular-related death were observed in 8.1% and 2.7% of the patients, respectively. At mean follow-up of 21 months, 18.8% of the patients (13/69) had died (including all causes), and 14.5% (10/69) experienced stroke (including nontarget strokes). Target vessel revascularization was needed in 2.9% patients. Conclusions A mandated multidisciplinary carotid revascularization board MDCB is feasible and potentially advantageous in real clinical practice. It establishes a model for accountable care by providing a mechanism for institutional oversight, credentialing operators, quality review, standardizing care, cost containment and eliminating the "subspecialty silo mentality."