ASK AN EXPERT: How is stroke treated and prevented in Czechia?

Dr. Vaško explains that strokes are primarily caused by the occlusion or rupture of blood vessels, with artery occlusion being more common. Large vessel occlusion in the brain can result in the rapid death of nearly one billion neurons every minute. Strokes typically occur suddenly, without warning, and often lead to sudden paralysis and speech loss, rendering patients unable to call for help. Quick hospitalization is critical for stroke patients, making a prompt call for an ambulance a vital step due to prehospital triage systems directing patients to specialized stroke centers.

Thrombolytic therapy: Patients who arrive at the hospital within a specific time window (usually within 4.5 hours of symptom onset) and meet certain criteria may be eligible for thrombolytic therapy. This involves the administration of medication to dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke.
Mechanical thrombectomy: In cases of large vessel occlusion strokes where a clot obstructs a major brain blood vessel, mechanical thrombectomy is performed. This procedure utilizes specialized devices to physically remove the clot.

Physical therapy: After the acute phase, stroke patients typically undergo rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy tailored to their specific needs.
Medication: Drugs aimed at managing risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, are often prescribed.
Antiplatelet therapy: May also be recommended to prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes.
Prevention: Patients may receive guidance on lifestyle modifications, encompassing dietary changes and increased physical activity, to promote overall health and minimize the risk of future strokes.

ABOUT THE EXPERT Dr. Peter Vaško, Ph.D., a highly qualified and experienced neurologist, has been practicing medicine since 2002. Currently serving as the Head of the Stroke Center at the Clinic of Neurology, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Praha, Czech Republic, he also holds a position at the Clinic of Neurology on the 3rd Faculty of Medicine at Charles University since 2012. Dr. Vaško completed his specialization in Neurology in 2008 and earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Charles University in 2015. He is an active member of various medical societies, including the Czech Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and the Czech Neurological Society J.E. Purkyne.