Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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The aim of our study was to investigate the factors which cause prehospital and emergency department (ED) delays in acute stroke care. ⋯ The results indicate that prehospital and ED delays are due to late decision to seek medical care and delayed neurological consultation. Hence, educational campaigns are needed to increase public awareness of stroke signs and the necessity of calling emergency services immediately when persons are suffering a possible stroke. Equally, ED physicians need to be trained in the recognition of symptoms and signs of acute stroke and the necessity for rapid neurological evaluation.