神内孙葳——脑血管病CBL学生阅读材料.pdf

Chapter 1 1 Stroke Basics Introduction (SAH), respectively (1.1). When stroke symptoms resolve and do not cause permanent brain damage, they are called Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although the historical the leading cause of adult disability in many countries. It is definition of a TIA is neurological symptoms lasting less imperative that all physicians understand the basics of stroke than 24 hours, the duration of most TIAs is between 5 and diagnosis and treatment for three reasons: 30 minutes, and can be considered a cerebral equivalent of cardiac angina.1 Some healthcare professionals and patients Stroke occurs as an acute event, and people will access refer to TIAs as ‘mini-strokes,’ but a TIA is actually a warn- the closest medical facility or physician’s office for help. ing that a stroke may occur very soon. Primary care and emergency medicine physicians need to be able to rapidly diagnose and treat patients with acute stroke symptoms. Stroke epidemiology Emerging treatments for stroke are time-dependent. The earlier the initiation of treatment, the better the Stroke incidence and mortality are increasing along with outcome. modernization and advancing longevity. Worldwide, 15 mil- Once a stroke has occurred