[Recommendations for stroke treatment and prevention, 2004].
BACKGROUND
According to the World Health Organisation, cerebrovascular disease is the third most important cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the adult population in the world today. Yet, stroke patients' progression improves significantly with immediate attention, hospitals that are well equipped with the necessary material and staff (expert neurologists) and the application of protocols as a programme of care, diagnostic methods and specific treatment (stroke units or teams).


METHODS
In order to disseminate the scientific evidence available on stroke treatment and prevention, an ad hoc committee of the Latin-American Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases has drawn up this manual, which includes a summary of all the recommendations currently applicable with the levels of evidence that support them and the degree of recommendation for each case.


CONCLUSIONS
This document is intended to serve as an aid and a guide to treatment and prevention in stroke patients in all Latin-American countries, and to help to attain the means needed to improve the care given to such patients in the different health care centres.
Alonso de Leciñana-Cases
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malonso@hnss.insalud.es
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Díez-Tejedor
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D000465:Algorithms; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Recomendaciones para el tratamiento y prevención del ictus, 2004.