Medical care programme of stroke.

A working group was established by the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development, the National Board of Health and Finnish Hospital League to write a handbook concerning the diagnoses, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients. In TIA, the importance of the case history is emphasized. Angiographic evaluation is recommended only for those patients who might be suitable for surgical intervention, conservative treatment being indicated for most cases. The treatment of risk factors such as hypertension is strictly emphasized. In hemiplegic stroke, early rehabilitation is most important. Today no methods are available for limiting infarction once it starts or, to reverse it when it has occurred. However, much can be done for survivors by intensive rehabilitation. The same holds true for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Prognosis of stroke patients is more dependent on the enthusiasm and activity of the treating team than on radiological or laboratory facilities.