Best stroke outcome still comes down to speed, it seems

When the drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) came along, we've heard time and again that speed is vital for improved outcomes for stroke patients.

Now, with other tools becoming available, it seems that the rule of speed still applies. The most recent example comes from an article about three keys to blazing fast thrombectomy:

Reduced disability with mechanical clot removal for large-vessel ischemic strokes -- as consistently seen across recent trials -- gave a clear mandate for use but also re-emphasized the need for speed.

"It's all about timing," said Patrick Lyden, MD, director of the stroke program at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

Read the whole story about the three keys. And remember - if you or someone you care about exhibit stroke signs, get to care. Fast.