19th July 2023

A 72-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with right-sided weakness and speech disturbance which started 35 minutes ago

A 72-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with right-sided weakness and speech disturbance which started 35 minutes ago. Her son reports she had an episode of similar symptoms the previous day, however, she did not come to hospital at the time as the symptoms resolved after a couple of minutes.

On examination, you confirm weakness of 3/5 in the right arm and leg, with evidence of a right-sided facial droop. She appears to have a receptive aphasia.

What is the most appropriate management?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.