Google Search: “Validated Large Vessel Occlusion Assessment Tools”

Today, I review, and link to the results of a Google Search: Validated Large Vessel Occlusion Assessment Tools.

All that follows is from the above resource.

AI Overview

Validated large vessel occlusion (LVO) assessment tools are specialized, often prehospital, scales designed to rapidly identify stroke patients with high likelihoods of large artery blockage, enabling direct transfer to comprehensive stroke centers for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Key validated tools include FAST-ED, RACE, LAMS, VAN, and SNOW. 

Key Validated LVO Assessment Tools

• FAST-ED (Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination): Evaluates facial palsy, arm drift, speech changes, eye gaze, and neglect. It is one of the most accurate tools for predicting LVO.
• RACE (Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation): A commonly used, validated prehospital scale focusing on facial palsy, arm/leg motor function, gaze deviation, and speech/neglect.
• LAMS (Los Angeles Motor Scale): A simplified, highly reliable scale assessing face, arm, and grip strength. It is noted for its ease of use in the field.
• VAN (Vision, Aphasia, Neglect): A 3-item screening tool that has shown high sensitivity (up to 89% in some studies) for detecting LVO.
• SNOW (Stroke Network of Wisconsin): Specifically designed for prehospital use, looking at Speech, Neglect, and Ocular/gaze deviation (SNOW) to predict LVO.
• CSTAT (Cincinnati Stroke Triage Assessment Tool): Used to identify high-risk stroke patients, with a score of 2 or greater indicating potential LVO. 

Comparison and Utility
While the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the gold standard for stroke severity, it is often too complex for EMS, leading to the development of these simplified scales. Studies indicate that FAST-ED, RACE, and LAMS generally demonstrate the highest predictive accuracy for LVO.