Management of stroke and transient ischemic attack.

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability. The resulting burden on society continues to grow, despite recent advances in acute stroke therapy. Thrombolysis reduces stroke morbidity but is only applicable to a small percentage of stroke patients. Acute stroke units, which allow for the greatest overall improvement in outcome, provide the best facilities for acute intervention. Despite recent advances in acute management, such as endarterectomy and anticoagulation, primary and secondary preventive measures to control stroke risk factors, along with appropriate specific interventions, are the key to reducing the overall burden of stroke.