RT Journal Article SR Electronic A1 Vinall, Phil T1 Wake-Up Stroke JF MD Conference Express YR 2013 FD SAGE Publications VO 13 IS 1 SP 32 OP 33 DO 10.1177/155989771301016 UL http://mdc.sagepub.com/content/13/1/32.abstract AB “Wake-up” strokes occur when an individual wakes up with neurological deficits from a stroke. The most frequent time of onset for all subgroups of ischemic stroke is between 6 am and 12 pm [Marsh EE et al. Arch Neurol 1990]. Retrospective studies have shown that wake-up stroke is common, with a prevalence of approximately 14% to 28%. Although tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) significantly improves outcomes [Hacke W et al. N Engl J Med 2008], patients with wake-up stroke are often not eligible for this therapy because the medication must be given within 4.5 hours of when the patient was last known to be normal. This article discusses the epidemiology, clinical features, and available data for the effectiveness of thrombolytic treatment in patients with wake-up stroke.