Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Neurology

TIA and stroke: a management guide for GPs

Henry Ma, John Ly, Geoffrey Alan Donnan
An updated version is available in the linked supplement
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 patients with 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 of patients 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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