Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of severe adult physical disability in the Western world. Each year 8,000 to 10, 000 people in Ireland suffer a stroke and up to one tenth of acute hospital beds and one third of nursing home beds are occupied by stroke patients.
Medical management has improved significantly in the last two decades. Care of patients in acute stroke units reduces the risk of death and permanent disability by up to one quarter. Thrombolysis offers the possibility of a cure for selected patients. Active and skilled management of physiological variables in the hours and days after stroke help prevent progression of neurological disease.
Stroke rehabilitation is also advancing. Newer rehabilitation methods have been shown to greatly improve patient outcome. Newer and more effective methods of control of complications such as dysphagia and spasticity have been developed in the last decade.
The evidence base for pharmacological and non-pharmacological secondary prevention of stroke and cerebrovascular disease has advanced and become more robust in the last five years.
With the increasing evidence base and complexity for care of patients with stroke disease the RCPI has developed a taught diploma for doctors who care for stroke patients in the course of their practice. It is designed as a foundation course for people wishing to pursue further formal training in stroke medicine/stroke neurology.
Entry Requirements
The Diploma in Cerebrovascular & Stroke Medicine is for all doctors who have completed their general training and would be suitable for trainees in a number of fields, including General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Rehabilitation Medicine, Neurology and Clinical Pharmacology, Emergency Medicine and Anesthetics. The Diploma may also be beneficial to trainees in Vascular Surgery and Neurosurgery and to General Practitioners with a significant practice in Cerebrovascular Disease. Applicants who wish to attend this programme MUST HAVE COMPLETED their RCPI membership exams.
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Contact Details
The Education & Professional Development Department
Phone: +353 1 863 9700
Fax: +353 1 672 4707
Email: courses@rcpi.ie