Course

Stroke cause categories (TOAST/ESUS) — how doctors label the cause and why it matters (Advanced)

Advanced course: understand how clinicians classify stroke cause (large artery, small vessel, cardioembolic, other, undetermined/ESUS) and how categories drive prevention strategy

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorAdvanced25 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

What you'll learn

  • Understand common stroke cause categories used by clinicians
  • Know why the label affects medication and testing decisions
  • Prepare questions about what category fits your case
  • Understand why some strokes remain ‘undetermined’ for a time

Practice check

Check your understanding

A few untimed questions. Pick an answer to see instant feedback, then continue to the next lesson.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Stroke cause classification helps guide secondary prevention choices.

Question 2

2. Cardioembolic usually means…

Question 3

3. A key question is…