ABSTRACT
The classification of acute stroke was first described by Bamford and the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project in the 1990s as follows. A total anterior circulation stroke (TACS) results in a triad of hemiplegia, hemianopia and higher cortical dysfunction (e.g. aphasia and visuospatial problems). A partial anterior circulation stroke (PACS) displays two of the above three features. A posterior circulation stroke (POCS) affects the brain stem, resulting in vertigo, dysphagia, dysarthria and facial weakness. A lacunar stroke (LACS) is a pure motor stroke (hemiparesis), a pure sensory stroke or a combination of the two. The deficit in an LACS must involve two of the face, leg and hand. Furthermore, there must be no visual field defect, no higher cortical dysfunction, no brain stem disturbance and no drowsiness in an LACS.
