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Document Type

Editorial

Abstract

Worldwide stroke is the second most common cause of death and the third most common cause of disability (1). No large-scale epidemiological studies are available to determine the true incidence of stroke in Pakistan. There is only one published stroke prevalence study which was conducted in a community residing in Karachi, the prevalence was 4.8%, however the results of the study should be interpreted with caution as a non-validated questionnaire was used. (2). Another community-based survey suggested as estimated 21.8% prevalence of stroke in an urban slum of Karachi (3). These studies although published in local journals but do not highlight the aspects of stroke treatment and prevalence. While the incidence is decreasing in high-income countries, it is increasing in low-income countries such as Pakistan, where there is not even a single established comprehensive stroke center with fully equipped facilities to do endovascular treatment of AIS. Medical advances in stroke treatment have greatly improved survival rates and disability from stroke during the last decade, these advances include cerebral angiographic techniques to remove the blood clot from brain vessels called Mechanical Thrombectomy. The quality of care and equipment available to stroke victims makes a world of difference. That is why the public needs to have access to the stroke center. Neurointerventional Radiology training and practice in Pakistan is still in early phases, being practiced in few leading hospitals of the country but no separate accredited postgraduate training program still available.

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