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ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
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ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
Sudden onset of neurologic deficit of cerebrovascular origin.
Patient often has hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, atrial fibrillation, or atherosclerosis.
Distinctive neurologic signs reflect the region of the brain involved.
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General Considerations
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In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. Risk factors for stroke include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, cardiac disease, HIV infection, trigeminal herpes zoster, recreational drug abuse, heavy alcohol consumption, and a family history of stroke.
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Strokes are subdivided pathologically into infarcts and hemorrhages. The distinction may be difficult clinically; CT scanning is essential to clarify the pathologic basis (Table 26–4).
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