Stroke and TIA: Crucial Knowledge for a Critical Event – MM1706
Accurate diagnosis of stroke relies on the identification of acute onset
focal neurological syndromes. Rapid assessment, triage and
management are essential in patients with acute stroke. Patients
with a transient ischaemic attack should be rapidly assessed
and investigated, especially for symptomatic carotid stenosis
and atrial fibrillation. When an acute stroke is recognised in the
community, the patient should be transferred by ambulance
to the nearest hospital with the appropriate stroke services.
Premedication with aspirin is not appropriate as it is impossible to
confidently distinguish ischaemic stroke from intracerebral
haemorrhage without a CT scan of the brain.
Modern Medicine – June 2017
