A significant amount of work has been undertaken over the last year to produce guidelines for the management of those patients suffering from a stroke.

Treating stroke and TIA as a medical emergency will save lives and prevent long-term disability. Whilst much of the responsibility for initial pre-hospital care falls to the ambulance service and primary care, these guidelines are also relevant to NHS Direct, A&E staff and Acute Medical
Services. These guidelines apply to the care of all patients with suspected stroke or TIA, irrespective of whether it is a first or recurrent event. This concise guide contains recommendations from the Pre-Hospital Stroke Guidelines Group and the Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party. Longer term management issues are covered by the National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke 2004.

The full guidelines can be found by clicking here