Medical management of acute ischaemic stroke

• Published in: South African medical journal Vol. 109; no. 2; pp. 72 - 76
• Main Author: Bateman, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG) 01-02-2019; Health & Medical Publishing Group; South African Medical Association
• Subjects: Brain injuries; Care and treatment; Family medicine; General practitioners; Ischemia; Medical research; Recurrence (Disease); Risk factors; Stenosis; Stroke; Therapeutics
• ISSN: 0256-9574; 2078-5135
• DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.2019.v109i2.00008

This article provides a practical overview of current medical treatments for acute ischaemic stroke, particularly for those in a busy family or general practice. Stroke is defined as an acute neurological deficit lasting >24 hours and caused by cerebrovascular disease. It may be ischaemic, caused by vessel stenosis or occlusion, or haemorrhagic, caused by rupture of vessels, resulting in intraparenchymal and/or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Transient ischaemic attack is defined as a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord or retinal ischaemia without acute infarction, replacing the old time-based definition. The goals of management of patients with an acute stroke are as follows: make an accurate assessment and diagnosis, limit the extent of the brain injury, avoid and treat stroke-related complications, evaluate the underlying aetiology that is closely linked to the prognosis for recurrent stroke, institute appropriate secondary prevention and facilitate post-stroke recovery.