Which test should be performed for pt with suspected stroke within 25 minute arrival to hospital?

For a patient with a suspected stroke, a non-contrast CT scan of the head should be performed within 25 minutes of arrival at the hospital. This imaging test is crucial for determining whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, which influences treatment decisions. Additionally, a rapid assessment using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) may be conducted to evaluate the severity of the stroke. Prompt diagnosis is essential to optimize potential treatment options such as thrombolysis for ischemic strokes.