The risk of stroke within a week of minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.
BACKGROUND
The risk of stroke is highest in the first week following an index stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Recent evidence indicates that prompt pharmacological treatment and evaluation may help mitigate this risk.


OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for recurrent stroke 1 week after index cerebrovascular event and review evidence for early and aggressive evaluation and management.


METHODS
We searched the National Library of Medicine Pubmed database to identify studies reporting recurrent or secondary stroke in individuals with identified stroke or TIA.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk of recurrent stroke in the week after a TIA or minor stroke is up to 10%. Factors identified with risk of early stroke recurrence include age, elevated blood pressure, clinical symptoms of motor weakness or speech disturbance, and large vessel atherothrombotic mechanism. Studies have shown that timely initiation of stroke preventative therapy may reduce the risk of stroke within this early period.
Sanossian
Nerses
N
University of Southern California, Neurocritical Care and Stroke Section, LAC+USC Medical Center, 1200 N State Street, # 5640, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. sanossia@yahoo.com
Ovbiagele
Bruce
B
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors