NEW UPDATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE: HEALTH EDUCATION TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS, CLINICAL-RADIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS, AND EXPANSION OF THROMBOLYSIS

Abstract

The management of ischemic stroke (IS) has undergone substantial changes with the 2026 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines, focusing on tissue viability rather than chronological time. Objective: To analyze the updates to international recommendations for IS (2020-2026), focusing on professional training, clinical-radiological implications, and the expansion of chemical thrombolysis with Tenecteplase. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using controlled descriptors and inclusion criteria for studies published between 2020 and 2026. Results: Tenecteplase (0.25 mg/kg) outperformed Alteplase in logistical efficiency. Advanced neuroimaging allowed the extension of the therapeutic window to up to 24 hours for mechanical thrombectomy, including in patients with large ischemic nuclei. Multidisciplinary training and the use of Artificial Intelligence have significantly reduced care times. Conclusion: The future of stroke treatment lies in the integration of radiological precision, simplified drug administration, and excellent human training, aiming to maximize the patient's functional autonomy.