Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Neurology
TIA and stroke: a management guide for GPs
Recent articles on:
Transient ischaemic attack
Transient ischaemic attack
Recent articles on:
Stroke
Stroke
Abstract
The incidence of stroke in Australia is about 46,000 per year. It is the third most common cause of death in this country (about 15,000 per year) and a major cause of disability. All GPs need to be aware of rapid changes occurring in management.
Key Points
- Stroke is one of the major causes of death and disability in Australia.
- All cases of acute stroke should be referred directly to a hospital with imaging facilities (CT and/or MRI), and preferably a stroke unit that provides thrombolytic therapy.
- Management in a stroke unit can reduce long term outcomes of death and dependency.
- Risk factor identification and management are important.
- Early rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary team environment is ideal.
- Rural GPs are in a unique position to take on multiple roles in stroke management (physician, service co-ordinator, staff and family educator, and support service).
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