Author: Mohamed Imam, Yousof Mustafa / Editor: Stephen Sheridan / Codes: / Published: 14/05/2026
A 40-year-old normally fit and well man presents to the Emergency Department (ED) after being involved in an RTC and sustaining a right open tibia and fibular fracture. The plan is to apply an above knee back slab and transfer for operative repair.
The orthopaedic team has tried to apply a crepe bandage while administering penthrox and having 10mg of IV morphine however, the patient complains of severe pain and then loses consciousness for 1 minute. When he wakes up, he’s aphasic and develops right arm and leg weakness.
His observations are as follows: HR 110 BP 150/90. RR 22. spo2 94 % on air temp 37.4.
A CT head with contrast has confirmed a left acute stroke. The man is intubated and transferred to another hospital for further management from a stroke unit.
