Table 2 Guidance for completion of the primary diagnosis framework
Framework diagnosis | Clinical information may include | Investigations | Secondary prevention planned |
|---|---|---|---|
Definite stroke/TIA | Symptoms typical for a vascular territory. Time course typical of stroke or TIA. Vascular risk factors are present. | Imaging supports the clinical diagnosis with no suggestion of an alternative aetiology. | Full (as appropriate) |
Probable stroke/TIA | Symptoms mostly typical of a vascular territory. Time course suggestive of stroke or TIA. No vascular risk factors or a less common cause of stroke or TIA. | Imaging supports the clinical diagnosis with no suggestion of an alternative aetiology. No mimic diagnosis suggested by other investigations | Full (as appropriate) |
Definite mimic | Positive clinical evidence from history/examination and/or previous medical history consistent with a mimic condition | Evidence consistent with a mimic diagnosis on CT/MRI imaging or other investigations. | No new secondary prevention. |
Probable mimic | Symptoms more suggestive of a mimic than a vascular territory. Vascular risk factors may be present. No relevant PMH of a mimic condition | No CT or MRI evidence of new stroke but no alternative imaging diagnosis. No mimic diagnosis suggested by other investigations. | No new secondary prevention. |
Unclear | Symptoms not typical of a vascular territory and/or time course not typical of stroke or TIA. No reason for stroke or TIA to occur. No positive clinical evidence from history/examination or previous medical history consistent with a mimic condition | No CT or MRI evidence of new stroke but no alternative imaging diagnosis. No mimic diagnosis suggested by other investigations. | Simple or no new secondary prevention considered appropriate. |