Cryptogenic Stroke: Anatomy of the Stroke Work-Up

Abstract

Despite advances in understanding the cause of ischemic stroke, cryptogenic stroke remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Approximately 15% to 40% of all ischemic strokes have no identifiable cause. CS is a diagnosis of exclusion after completing the standard stroke work-up. Further investigation needs to be tailored individually according to results of the clinical evaluation so appropriate secondary prevention strategies can be applied.

Keywords: Cardiac monitoring; Cryptogenic stroke; Diagnostic testing; Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Etiology (ESUS); Hypercoagulable; Imaging; Ischemic stroke.