What is a stroke specialist?
A stroke is caused when there is interruption to the blood supply to the brain, which is often the result of a blood clot in a cerebral (brain) artery (ischaemic stroke ). It may also be caused by the rupturing of a blood vessel in or near the brain (haemorrhagic stroke).
A stroke specialist or neurologist has expertise in all 3 principal areas of stroke management (Prevention, Acute Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation). To be regarded as a specialist the practitioner will meet all 6 of the following criteria:
- Completion of specialist training in neuroscience
- Ongoing active involvement in stroke management
- Annual attendance of at least one stroke specific training event or conference;
- Evidence of adequate continued professional development in the field of Stroke Medicine;
- Participation in at least one national stroke-related seminar per year;
- Basic research skills
The specialist care and early interventions that stroke physicians (neurologist) provide result in better survival rates for patients with the aim of reducing disability. The knowledge and skills they provide are also vital in stroke prevention. They also provide a key role in developing hospital and community stroke services.
