Patients with cerebral infarction is now eligible for emergency medical services thanks to the progress in digital imaging technology used for diagnosis of the disease as well as development of new drugs. Current treatment of cerebral infarction is classified into two different phases - treatment of acute cerebral infarction and prophylactic therapy for the prevention of recurrence of the disease. New drugs are being developed with two main factors taken into account - first, the earliest possible treatment within 6 hours after onset, second, the prevention of recurrence in the earliest possible stage. Under the circumstances, definite criteria have yet to be established for the choice of therapy, since the protocols used in the diagnosis and the treatment of cerebral infarction vary depending on the hospitals.

This survey report is designed to provide a clear direction for potential therapies as well as information that can be effectively used for the development of drugs. In order to achieve those purposes, in-depth interviews was carried out targeting surgeons and internists.