Note - this edition of the guidelines is now out of date, the third edition of the National Clinical Guidelines for stroke was published in July 2008.
National clinical guideline for stroke - third edition
Summary for the 2nd Edition
More than a quarter of the population over the age of 45 will suffer a stroke. However, in contrast to the situation 20 years ago, timely assessment and modern high quality treatment now has the potential to save lives and considerably reduce disability in stroke patients.
These guidelines have been prepared by the Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party under the aspices of the Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit of the Royal College of Physicians. They provide a framework for best care and are intended for the use by clinicians and all members of the multidisciplinary team involved in the management of the stroke patient - both in hospital and in the community.
Since the first guidelines were published in 2000, several hundred new references have been published, many indicating major changes in the way stroke care should be delivered. These changes have been incorporated into the recommendations made in this second edition of the guidelines.
When referencing this report please cite as follows: Royal College of Physicians. National clinical guidelines for stroke, 2nd edition. Prepared by the Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party. London: RCP, 2004.