Non-clinical factors are discussed as well. As other papers and editorials warn, the combination of acutely ill and vulnerable patients, the use of potentially toxic drugs, and very short time frames for decision making and drug administration demand an especially careful evaluation of risk and benefit, the process of consent, and the permissible treatment of control patients. The full text version of this telephone survey study concludes that public health education is needed to increase the public's awareness of the warning signs and risk factors for stroke, particularly those statistically at greatest risk for stroke. A number of other studies and editorials echoed the importance of public education on brain attacks. See too a third article from the JAMA issue, Further Evolution Toward Effective Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke .
Online resources make it easy to keep updated on new research.
The Professional section on UK Stroke forum includes a collection of abstracts from major and minor medical journals, with a European slant. Stroke Information maintains a collection of general news articles, and links to a variety of sites. Finally, The Cochrane Stroke Group abstracts several dozen of its systematic reviews, many on acute stroke, and more are added quarterly. The Brain Attack Coalition of top government institutions, medical specialty associations, and universities maintains this Acute Stroke Toolbox of clinical resources for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke. It s a good first stop for a variety of protocols from clinical trials, major universities, and managed care associations, in addition to stroke scales and patient education resources.