Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a stroke. This alarming statistic underscores why rapid assessment and treatment are essential. The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) stroke algorithm provides healthcare professionals with a systematic approach to managing these life-threatening emergencies. At its core, imaging plays an indispensable role in determining treatment pathways and patient outcomes. Understanding the ACLS Stroke Algorithm The ACLS stroke algorithm is a systematic protocol developed by the American Heart Association to guide clinicians in rapidly identifying and treating stroke patients. This evidence-based approach emphasizes early recognition, timely intervention, and coordinated care among healthcare teams. The algorithm distinguishes between two primary stroke types: ischemic strokes, which account for approximately 85% of cases, and hemorrhagic strokes. This distinction is crucial because treatment differs dramatically between ...