The national challenge for stroke services is to deliver evidence-based interventions in a timely fashion [1]. A key component of this strategy is the use of fast-track systems with stroke-specific assessment tools to rapidly evaluate patients presenting with suspected stroke [2]. This leads to patients being prioritised and the early initiation of appropriate clinical assessments and medical investigations. This facilitates early diagnosis and determination of the aetiology of the stroke in addition to planning treatment strategies aimed at reducing the brain damage caused by the stroke and preventing complications.
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