Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
09:21

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 18, 2018

Characteristics of an "ill-defined" diagnosis for stroke: opportunities for improvement

Henraya F McGruder1, Janet B Croft, Zhi-Jie Zheng

  • 1Cardiovascular Health Branch, Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. hdd8@cdc.gov

Stroke
|January 21, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A significant number of stroke hospitalizations receive an "ill-defined" diagnosis, particularly among women, Black, and Hispanic patients. This highlights disparities in stroke evaluation and diagnosis, necessitating improved hospital protocols.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Accurate stroke subtype diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
  • This study investigates factors influencing the likelihood of an

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess factors associated with receiving an

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Medicare hospital claims for stroke diagnoses in individuals aged 65 years and older from 2000.
  • Categorization of stroke subtypes using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes.

Main Results:

  • Out of 445,452 stroke claims, 20.9% were classified as ill-defined.
  • Women, Black, and Hispanic patients had higher odds of an ill-defined stroke diagnosis compared to men and White patients, respectively.
  • Geographic disparities were observed, with 14 states reporting >=25% of all stroke diagnoses as ill-defined.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of stroke cases are discharged with an ill-defined diagnosis, indicating a need for enhanced early stroke response and evaluation.
  • Racial, gender, and geographic disparities in stroke diagnosis require further investigation.
  • Improving hospital stroke policies, reimbursement practices, and public health initiatives are essential for better disease reporting and clinical outcomes.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...