# Treatment and Procedures for Ischemic Strokes of Vascular Etiology: Experience of the Eastern Slovakia Stroke Center

## TL;DR

This paper summarizes the treatment outcomes of ischemic stroke patients at a stroke center in Eastern Slovakia, highlighting the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary care.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the effectiveness of stroke center protocols in managing ischemic strokes in a specific regional context.

## Key findings

- 89% of patients showed neurological improvement as measured by NIHSS scores.
- Multidisciplinary cooperation was identified as key to successful stroke outcomes.
- The majority of strokes were due to atherosclerotic arterial disease (62.84%).

## Abstract

Introduction: A stroke is a condition in which brain cells are damaged or die after blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, which can cause permanent disability or death. More than three-quarters of all strokes are caused by ischemia, and almost a quarter by hemorrhage. It is the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease (IHD). The number of affected people is expected to increase to 4.6 million in 2035 due to the ageing of the European population.

Methods: Between 2019 and 2024, 377 patients were treated at the Stroke Center (East Slovak Institute of Heart and Vascular Diseases (VÚSCH)). Of the patients, 62.84% had ischemic stroke due to atherosclerotic arterial disease, 20.42% due to cardiogenic embolization, 15.38% due to combined genesis, and 1.3% due to unusual causes (dissection). The mean age of the patients was 68 (±5) years. The baseline information was improvement/worsening/stability of neurological status according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment.

Results: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, as examined by a neurologist, was 11 (3-20), and on discharge, it had an average of 7 (2-19). Of the patients, 89% (336) showed improvement of neurological status in terms of NIHSS score, 2% (10) deteriorated, and 7.7% (31) had no change.

Conclusion: Early detection and rapid transport, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with stroke in multidisciplinary cooperation (neurologist, radiologist, interventional specialist, and vascular surgeon) are key to improving results. The positive results of stroke centers point to a well-established path in the care of patients with stroke.