Table 3.

Diagnostic criteria for stroke and TIA^3,31

Identification of neurological deficit	An acute episode of a focal or global neurological deficit with at least one of the following: Change in the level of consciousness, Hemiplegia, Hemiparesis, One-sided numbness or sensory loss, Dysphasia or aphasia, Hemianopia, Amaurosis fugax, Any other neurological signs or symptoms consistent with stroke.
Absence of nonvascular aetiology	No other readily identifiable non-stroke cause for the clinical presentation (e.g. brain tumour, trauma, infection, hypoglycaemia, peripheral lesion, pharmacologic influences) to be determined by or in conjunction with the designated neurologist.
Stroke vs. TIA	Stroke is defined by an acute episode of focal or global neurological dysfunction caused by brain, spinal cord, or retinal vascular injury as a result of haemorrhage or infarction. The event classifies as a stroke rather than a TIA based on any of the following: Duration of neurological dysfunction >24 h, Duration of neurological dysfunction <24 h in case of imaging-documented new haemorrhage or infarction, A neurological dysfunction resulting in death. A TIA is defined by any neurological dysfunction not satisfying the above criteria for stroke, specifically if lasting <24 h without imaging-documented acute brain infarction.
Confirmation	For a confirmed diagnosis, these elements (i.e. identification of a neurological dysfunction, absence of a nonvascular mechanism, and differentiation between stroke and TIA) should be supported by both Assessment by neurologist or neurosurgical specialist, Neuroimaging procedure (CT scan or brain MRI) findings.

TIA, transient ischaemic attack; CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.