Revista de neurologia
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 1999
Review[The stroke chain: from the onset of symptoms to the emergency services].
The treatment of stroke by thrombolysis or other methods (neuroprotection, basic care, etc.) is more effective the sooner it is begun. The main reasons for patients not receiving treatment during the acute phase of their illness are slowness in reaching hospital and delay in emergency assessment once they arrive there. It is necessary to identify the factors involved in these delays so as to modify what can be improved and establish guidelines. ⋯ Programmes of education and improvement in the organization of the different protagonists at the various stages reduce the time lost by delay.