1. Terminology and definitions (What is a stroke?)

2. Epidemiology (How big is the problem of stroke?)

3. Diagnosis of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (Is it a vascular event?)

4. Localization of the lesion (Where is the damage?)

5. Pathological diagnosis (What is the nature of the lesion?)

6. Aetiological diagnosis 1 (What are the possible causes?)

7. Aetiological diagnosis 2 (What are the possible risk factors?)

8. Aetiological diagnosis 3 (What investigations are needed?)

9. Prognosis (What does the future hold for the patient?)

10. Early management (Should patients be referred to hospital?)

11. Hospital management (Where and how should the patient be managed?)

12. General management (What is basic stroke care?)

13. Specific management (What therapy for stroke is effective?)

14. Secondary prevention (How can recurrence be managed?)

15. Post-stroke care (How should persisting problems be managed?)

16. Stroke in special populations

Appendix A: Volunteer and support groups and web sites

Appendix B: Diagnostic evaluation of suspected transient ischaemic attack and stroke References Glossary Index of patient questions Index