The clinician's best role in the assessment and treatment of a stroke patient is rapid recognition and transport to a stroke center. What is the window of opportunity from the onset of symptoms until treatment?

Anytime there is a restriction of blood flow, the quicker blood flow is returned the better the results. It is well established that if tPa is infused within three hours of the onset of symptoms, there is a greater chance that all deficits will resolve without lasting effects.