30th April 2024

You are called to see a 58-year-old man on the stroke ward. He was admitted yesterday afternoon

You are called to see a 58-year-old man on the stroke ward. He was admitted yesterday afternoon (around 30 hours ago) and had been thrombolysed. On his notes, you see that his GCS was 15 on admission, but he had a left-sided deficit. His initial CT head had shown an MCA infarct. He is normally fit and well prior to his stroke and did not take any medications.  He is still waiting on his repeat CT brain post-thrombolysis. You have been asked to see him as he has become more drowsy and developed an oxygen requirement. He is now opening his eyes to painful stimuli, withdrawing to pain and making incomprehensible sounds.

What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?

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