When evaluating cryptogenic stroke, utilize prolonged outpatient cardiac monitoring for at least three months to detect low-burden paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, especially in older patients with cortical infarcts. For suspected PFO, a negative TEE shouldn't halt investigation; order a transcranial Doppler with bubble contrast to definitively screen for right-to-left shunts and guide appropriate management.

Implantable loop recorders track atrial fibrillation for one to three years.

A single one-hour AFib episode over two years doubles stroke risk.

Prolonged cardiac monitoring captures paroxysmal AFib in fifteen percent of stroke patients.

A known PFO causes approximately half of all cryptogenic stroke cases.