The American journal of emergency medicine
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We examine recent trends in U.S. emergency department (ED) and hospital care for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). ⋯ Over this nine-year study period, the average age of stroke & TIA patients was unchanged in U.S. hospitals; however, the proportion with Medicaid insurance increased considerably. Stroke incidence increased while TIA decreased slightly. Full inpatient hospitalizations are declining for both conditions, while transfers are on the rise. Average inpatient costs increased dramatically for all three conditions while mortality for stroke & ICH fell significantly.