Workshop on Cerebrovascular Disease for General Practitioners

From Code ICH to NIHSS-Based Acute Ischemic Stroke Decision Making

Sunday, 28 June 2026

08.00 – 08.30 | Registration & Opening

Opening Remarks
“Empowering General Practitioners in Time-Critical Stroke Care”

08.30 – 09.00 | Session 1

Code ICH

Introducing a New Stroke Pathway for Frontline Physicians

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the concept and rationale of Code ICH in acute stroke systems of care.
2. Recognize early clinical and imaging features of intracerebral hemorrhage.
3. Initiate immediate, evidence-based first-line management for suspected ICH.
4. Activate appropriate referral pathways to improve time-to-treatment and outcomes.

09.00 – 09.30 | Session 2

Low NIHSS Acute Ischemic Stroke and TIA

What Frontline Physicians Should Recognize, Monitor, Treat, and Refer

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify low NIHSS acute ischemic stroke and high-risk TIA presentations.
2. Recognize neurological deficits that may appear “mild” but are clinically disabling.
3. Implement appropriate initial management, monitoring, and secondary prevention strategies.
4. Determine indications for urgent referral and further vascular evaluation.

09.30 – 10.00 | Session 3

Moderate-to-High NIHSS Acute Ischemic Stroke

2026 Guideline-Based Actions for Frontline Physicians

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Perform rapid NIHSS-based assessment in suspected acute ischemic stroke.
2. Apply current guideline-based recommendations for acute stroke management.
3. Identify candidates for reperfusion therapies and urgent referral.
4. Optimize pre-referral stabilization and communication with stroke centers.

10.00 – 10.15 | Plenary Discussion

Clarifying Clinical Decision-Making in Real-World Practice

10.15 – 10.30 | Coffee Break

10.30 – 11.30 | Hands-On Skill Stations

Practical Skills for Frontline Stroke Management

Participants rotate through three facilitated skill stations.

Skill Station I

Rapid Neurological Assessment and NIHSS Scoring

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this station, participants will be able to:

1. Perform a structured neurological examination for suspected stroke.
2. Accurately calculate the NIHSS score.
3. Recognize NIHSS components most relevant to referral decisions.

Skill Station II

Stroke Imaging Basics for General Practitioners

CT Interpretation for ICH and AIS

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this station, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key CT findings in intracerebral hemorrhage.
2. Recognize early ischemic changes on non-contrast CT.
3. Differentiate stroke mimics from true cerebrovascular events.
4. Communicate imaging findings effectively during referral.

Skill Station III

Frontline Stroke Pathways and Referral Communication

From First Contact to Stroke Center

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this station, participants will be able to:

1. Apply Code ICH and AIS referral algorithms in simulated scenarios.
2. Deliver concise and structured handover using NIHSS-based communication.
3. Avoid common delays in acute stroke referral pathways.

11.30 – 12.00 | Discussion & Closing

Key Take-Home Messages for General Practitioners

What to Do in the First Critical Minutes of Stroke Care