What is an essential action to take if the patient presents with signs of a possible hemorrhagic stroke?

Performing a CT scan is essential in cases where a patient presents with signs of a possible hemorrhagic stroke. The CT scan is crucial for quickly determining the presence of bleeding within the brain. Identifying whether the stroke is hemorrhagic (bleeding) or ischemic (blockage) is vital for guiding treatment, as these two types of strokes require very different management approaches.

In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, immediate intervention often includes controlling the bleeding and managing intracranial pressure, rather than administering thrombolytics or anticoagulation therapy, which would be contraindicated. This makes obtaining a CT scan the important first step in the assessment and management of a suspected stroke. The rapid identification of bleeding allows healthcare providers to make timely decisions regarding further diagnostics and therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes.