New developments in managing transient ischemic attack and acute stroke

During this decade, which has been designated the decade of the brain, the event of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute ischemic stroke is considered a brain attack requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. This increased focus on the clinical problems of TIA and stroke has resulted in rapid advances in management of this patient population. This article will highlight for critical care nurses some of the many advances in patient management of TIA and stroke that have occurred in the past few years. Advances in the areas of diagnostic studies, pharmacologic interventions, and nursing care will be covered. Furthermore, some of the new developments on the horizon will be summarized.