The first of three volumes on stroke in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology covering historical perspective, basic science overview and pathophysiology and clinical epidemiology. Until a few years ago, strokes were considered ‘experiments of nature’ that provided help in understanding the functional anatomy of the brain, but for which little could be done in terms of therapeutic intervention and prevention. These three volume record how this has now profoundly changed and cover advances in our understanding of the biochemical background of strokes coupled with advances in fields as diverse as epidemiology, genetics, neuroimaging, interventional radiology, surgery, clinical psychology and most particularly prevention and management. The aim is to provide both basic researchers with the foundation for new investigations and clinicians a source of reference to enable them to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the clinical features and management of the many neurological manifestations of stroke.