Diagnosis and Management of Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Until relatively recently, ischemic stroke management was a classic example of "diagnose and adios." Care of patients presenting to the hospital or clinic with symptoms of stroke consisted of aspirin followed by rehabilitation, with few disease-specific strategies directed toward optimal treatment and outcomes. The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research into ischemic stroke. We now have specific therapies and management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. This chapter will first discuss the identification of patients with ischemic stroke, followed by acute treatment, in-patient management, and secondary stroke prevention.