Clinicians commonly encounter patients with cerebrovascular disorders in the hospital. Now, as never before, there are many effective diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Several examples of typical cases of stroke and transient ischemic attack are presented in order to illustrate a rational approach to diagnosis and treatment. A redefinition of transient ischemic attack and stroke, salient elements of the neurological history and examination, localization techniques, stroke mimickers, mechanisms of infarction and hemorrhage, acute stroke teams, thrombolysis, and secondary prevention are highlighted.