Outpatient neuroimaging of stroke

This article addresses the common stroke problems seen in an outpatient or office setting, including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), minor strokes and carotid stenoses. Expedited, semi-emergent evaluation and prompt appropriate treatment of acute TIAs and minor strokes reduces an otherwise significant risk for stroke. Evaluation requires good-quality neuroimaging, cardiac imaging, and cardiac monitoring. Carotid stenoses may benefit from endarterectomy or stenting procedure under specific circumstances; otherwise, medical management may be more appropriate. In the evaluation and treatment of these conditions in an office setting, stroke neurologists need to be familiar with high-quality neuroimaging to best evaluate and treat these potentially life-threatening or life-altering conditions.