Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term severe disability in the developed world. The past few years have seen the emergence of dedicated stroke services in many hospitals in the UK. This on-the-go handbook provides guidance on acute care for junior doctors, specialist nurses and other health professionals working on acute medical admission units, and more detailed practical guidance for those working on specialist stroke units. The handbook follows the pathway of care of a stroke patient from initial diagnosis, through acute care, patient management, long term care and rehabilitation, to outcomes and secondary prevention. It is written in a clear how-to-do-it style with many bullet points and practical guidelines, and is produced in a handy, portable pocket format so it can always be close at hand. The authors have all worked in stroke care units and base their guidelines on the best available evidence and extensive proactical experience. Subjects covered include not only the essential neurological aspects of stroke care, but decision making and terminal care, psycholigical and rehabilitation issues, to name only a few. It should appeal to all those involved in the care of the stroke patient from clinicians, nurses, therapists and rehabilitation specialists.
