The first imaging test in acute stroke is a noncontrast CT scan of the head. At 12 hours out, it may show ischemic strokes, but more importantly, it will diagnose hemorrhagic strokes, for which reperfusion and antiplatelet therapies are contraindicated.
submitted by โcarolebaskin(109)
He's probably having an ischemic stroke
But you can't be sure!
First step is non-con CT
Other wrong answers:
Don't do an LP until you know there is no bleed; they could herniate!
EEG has no place in acute stroke w/u
Carotid duplex US helps find source of stroke, but doesn't help in acute w/u
angiography maybe later