Stroke syndromes

Emergency physicians must stay cognizant of the rapid and dramatic changes underway in the management of patients with acute stroke syndrome. The future clearly points towards a time when emergency physicians will be called upon to treat "brain attacks" in a manner similar to heart attacks, with early recognition and treatment. As effective interventions are developed, we will be able to alter the course, increase the survival, and decrease the morbidity and long-term disability of stroke patients.