- Investigate for underlying risk for stroke.
- Iain had narrowing in his carotid arteries. Early identification and management including interventions for carotid artery stenosis lead to better outcomes.
- Prioritising risk factors – Iain had a number of risk factors to consider including smoking, drinking too much alcohol and high blood pressure. Remember that the health professional’s priorities are not always the same as the patient’s.
- Be aware of the different types of services and products available to assist a patient to change their lifestyle.
- Iain was unable to make the change at first and this is common. Setting goals is an important part of making change
Stroke → Brain scan → Ischaemic → Identify & treat rare causes
Stroke → Brain scan → Ischaemic → ECG →
Stroke → Brain scan → Ischaemic → Anterior circulation only → Carotid imaging → Severe carotid stenosis → Early carotid surgery → ECG →
ECG → Sinus rhythm → Antiplatelet drugs→ Cholesterol reduction → Blood pressure reduction → Lifestyle/Diabetes control → Risk of recurrence ↓
You have reached the end of this patient scenario. What do you want to do next?
Page last reviewed: 18 Jan 2021
