Acute Ischaemic Stroke Agnieszka Anna Ardelt

Abstract

This chapter focuses on acute ischaemic stroke: mechanisms, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment other than thrombolysis and thrombectomy, which are discussed in Chap. 9 . The topics are arranged alphabetically. Ischaemic stroke in paediatric patients is discussed separately in an appendix. Acute Ischaemic Stroke: Burden of DiseaseIn the United States, approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke annually, and the vast majority of strokes are ischaemic in nature. Over 130,000 people with stroke die each year; only cardiac disease, cancer, and chronic lung diseases result in more deaths than stroke.1 Stroke leaves survivors with disabilities which have both personal and societal implications: 20-30% will need assistance with activities of daily living or walking, and the majority will be unable to return to work.