From the Research
Approximately 30-40% of patients with minor stroke require neurological follow-up in the chronic phase of stroke. This follow-up is essential for monitoring recovery, managing persistent symptoms, and preventing recurrent strokes. Patients with minor strokes often experience subtle neurological deficits that may persist or evolve over time, including cognitive impairments, mood disorders, fatigue, and fine motor difficulties that weren't immediately apparent during the acute phase. The follow-up typically involves regular appointments with a neurologist at 1,3,6, and 12 months post-stroke, with subsequent annual visits based on individual patient needs. During these visits, physicians assess neurological function, medication effectiveness, and the need for rehabilitation services. Patients should continue their prescribed antiplatelet therapy (such as aspirin 81-325mg daily, clopidogrel 75mg daily, or combination therapy) and other risk-factor management medications as directed.
The need for long-term follow-up is supported by evidence showing that even minor strokes carry a significant risk of recurrence and can lead to cumulative neurological damage if not properly managed, with the highest risk period being within the first year after the initial event. Although the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 primarily focus on carotid artery stenosis, antithrombotic therapy, and atrial fibrillation, they highlight the importance of careful management and follow-up in patients with stroke or at risk of stroke. However, none of these studies directly address the percentage of patients with minor stroke requiring neurological follow-up. Therefore, the recommendation is based on general principles of stroke management and the importance of follow-up care in preventing recurrent strokes and managing persistent symptoms.
Key aspects of care include:
- Regular neurological assessments
- Medication management, including antiplatelet therapy
- Rehabilitation services as needed
- Lifestyle modifications to reduce stroke risk factors
- Ongoing monitoring for signs of recurrence or progression of neurological deficits.
Given the lack of direct evidence from the provided studies, the recommendation prioritizes general stroke management principles and the importance of follow-up care in improving outcomes for patients with minor stroke.