Table of Contents
Include in assessment
- History
- Exact onset/when last well; any change/progression in symptoms; risk factors (e.g. smoking, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, AF)
- Examination
- Full neurological exam
- Systemic: pulse (AF), heart sounds, carotid bruits, bruising/bleeding
- Risk factor signs: xanthelasma, corneal arcus
Management algorithm

Long-term drugs
- Antihypertensives
- Clopidogrel 75mg OD (or anticoagulation if patient is in AF – but wait 2 weeks after stroke)
- Statin – but wait 48 hours after stroke