Delay Pathways

The study identified silent progression and diverted seeking as two dominant pathways through which delays developed. Silent progression begins with low health literacy, low perceived susceptibility, and emotional detachment. Diverted seeking occurs when patients or families seek help outside formal emergency stroke care. Perceived barriers can push patients toward rest, self-management, acupuncture, or non-specialist providers. In silent progression, care is delayed until symptoms become severe enough to cross a functional threshold.