Approach to and management of the acute stroke patient with atrial fibrillation: a literature review.

Stroke remains an increasing worldwide cause of disability and mortality, and it is the second leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Patients with atrial fibrillation form a unique group with increased risk of cardioembolic stroke. Despite the widespread application of the National Institutes of Health stroke scale and guidelines, patients with atrial fibrillation represent a clinically challenging group that deserves a special approach during the acute stroke phase.