stroke

A "stroke" is neurological deficit of acute onset (over minutes
to hours) which persists for more than 24 hours. Deficits which
resolve within 24 hours are classified as "transient ischemic attacks"
(TIAs). Signs of stroke may include:
- Impaired consciousness Diplopia
- Monoparesis or hemiparesis Visual field defects
- Sensory deficits Dysarthria or dysphasia
- Ataxia of trunk or limbs
Plan: Define the presence of cerebral infarction, suggest the
etiology and assess the presence of hemorrhage. Since stroke is
often the result of embolic disease, anticoagulation therapy should
be considered; cerebral hemorrhage is a contraindication.
REF: MacNeil BJ, Abrams HL. Brigham and Women's Hospital Handbook
of Diagnostic Imaging. pp. 147-152.

Charles E. Kahn, Jr., MD - 2 February 1995
Last updated: 1 October 2013