CLINICAL RECOGNITION AND DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY IN STROKE IDENTIFICATION: A META-ANALYSIS STUDY

Background: Stroke is defined as a focal neurological deficit of sudden onset, typically resulting from cerebrovascular damage. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting approximately 15 million individuals annually. Survivors often endure significant disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional distress. Early intervention is critical, as accurate diagnosis can enable targeted treatment, improving survival rates and reducing long-term disabilities. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical recognition and diagnostic tests used for stroke diagnosis, assessing their accuracy, effectiveness, and the factors influencing stroke identification. Methods: A systematic search of articles was conducted across several databases, including Biomed Central, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, American Physical Therapy Association, and PEDRO, focusing on studies published from 2000 to 2023. Keywords such as "stroke prevalence," "transient ischemic attack," and "myocardial infarction" were used to identify relevant literature. Study selection adhered to PRISMA guidelines, resulting in a total of 30 review articles that discussed clinical recognition, diagnostic accuracy, and outcome measures related to stroke identification. Data extraction included evidence-based studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in the clinical recognition and diagnostic accuracy for stroke identification, underscoring the importance of timely and standardized diagnostic protocols. Conclusion: This study highlights that enhanced clinical recognition and diagnostic accuracy are crucial for the early identification of stroke, which significantly reduces long-term disabilities and improves patient outcomes. Timely implementation of standardized diagnostic protocols can lead to better patient quality of life. Implications: The findings of this study advocate for improved clinical practices and policies to enhance stroke diagnosis and optimize patient outcomes through standardized protocols