Abstract

Over the past three decades, the diagnosis and treatment of stroke has changed at a phenomenal rate since the first use of CT scans and early studies using thrombolytic agents. New investigative procedures help direct patient selection for specific therapies and may substantially increase the chance of a successful therapeutic outcome. These advances in treatment have led to a paradigm shift in the way stroke victims are diagnosed and cared for. Specialists have seen the introduction of a range of new therapies for the management of ischemic stroke such as mechanical embolectomy and other catheter-delivered agents and devices; novel thrombolytic agents; drugs to limit hematoma expansion; antithrombotic agents for secondary stroke prevention and other neuroprotective strategies. This exciting new volume covers the basics of vascular anatomy, stroke pathophysiology, ischemic stroke syndromes and current treatment. Numerous case studies are greatly enhanced with illustrations, neuroimaging and pathology photos, making this the perfect guide to the practical understanding of ischemic stroke.