Diagnostic investigations for stroke in older people: A practical approach
‘Diagnostic investigations for stroke in older people: A practical approach’ examines in some detail the challenges of formulating a thorough and simultaneously pragmatic approach to investigating older people with stroke. Diagnostic investigation plays an important role along with a comprehensive history and thorough clinical examination in assessing severity, prognosis, and initiating appropriate management. This chapter describes emergency investigations, brain imaging, biochemical and haematological investigations, the importance of electrocardiography and prolonged cardiac monitoring (including evidence from recent trials), echocardiography, the role of vascular imaging including ultrasonography and angiography. It also discusses the importance of performing all the essential investigations and the evidence for investigating stroke in the frail older person.