Abstract

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes are a major cause of severe disability and mortality, making early and accurate detection crucial for effective treatment. Traditional screening methods often overlook subtler symptoms, such as isolated aphasia language impairment without other neurological deficits. Recent research indicates that incorporating isolated aphasia into LVO screening protocols can enhance diagnostic sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV). This article examines the role of isolated aphasia in stroke assessment, emphasizing its potential to identify LVO cases that might be missed by conventional methods. By improving sensitivity and reducing the likelihood of false negatives, the inclusion of aphasia in screening protocols could lead to more timely and accurate interventions. We propose steps for integrating aphasia into clinical practice, including training, standardized tools, and updated guidelines, and call for further research to validate these approaches.