Advances In Acute Stroke Management

Stroke is the third most common cause of mortality and morbidity after all cardiac and cancer disorders. The prognosis after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) varies greatly, depending upon the pre-morbid condition, stroke severity, age, and post-stroke complications. The overall mortality rate at 30 days after stroke is 28%. Stroke is the clinical expression of a vascular lesion be it atherothrombotic or haemorrhagic. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be defined as acute loss of perfusion to vascular territory of the brain and a corresponding loss of neurologic function. It has a heterogeneous group of causes including thrombosis, embolism, and hypoperfusion. Stroke, as the name suggests, is an emergency. Management till recently consisted of masterly inactivity to some of empirical measures of doubtful value. With better anatomical and metabolic imaging available, efforts are being made to salvage ischemic cerebral tissues before permanent damage sets in.