Diagnosis of Stroke Mechanisms and Secondary Prevention

Advances have been made in the acute intervention, treatment, and prevention of cerebral infarction. Advances in treatment are often preceded by advances in diagnostic technology. New procedures are created and older technologies improved. In some cases what we define with new technologies have left us with dilemmas in treatment and an increased complexity of decision making. A sequential approach to the diagnostic evaluation of cerebral infarction and transient ischemic attack (TIA) will help optimize the diagnostic yield, provide information that will alter management, and minimize the cost and potential harm to the patient.