VA Stroke Study: neurologist care is associated with increased testing but improved outcomes.

Objective: VA Stroke Study (VASt) data were analyzed to determine whether neurologist management affected the process and outcome of care of patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods: VASt prospectively identified patients with stroke admitted to nine VA hospitals (April 1995 to March 1997). Demographics, stroke severity (Canadian Neurologic Score), stroke subtype (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] classification), tests/procedures, and discharge status (independent, Rankin < or = 2, vs dead or dependent, Rankin 3 through 5) were compared between patients who were or were not cared for by a neurologist.

Occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among Gulf War veterans.

Background: In response to Gulf War veterans' concerns of high rates of ALS, this investigation sought to determine if Gulf War veterans have an elevated rate of ALS.

Methods: A nationwide epidemiologic case ascertainment study design was used to ascertain all occurrences of ALS for the 10-year period since August 1990 among active duty military and mobilized Reserves, including National Guard, who served during the Gulf War (August 2, 1990, through July 31, 1991). The diagnosis of ALS was confirmed by medical record review.

Veterans Administration Acute Stroke (VASt) Study: lack of race/ethnic-based differences in utilization of stroke-related procedures or services.

Background And Purpose: Race/ethnic-based disparities in the utilization of health-related services have been reported. Data collected as part of the Veterans Administration Acute Stroke Study (VASt) were analyzed to determine whether similar differences were present in patients admitted to Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: VASt prospectively identified stroke patients admitted to 9 geographically separated VA hospitals between April 1995 and March 1997.