Change in the number of stroke patients in the Czech Republic following an increase in the thrombolytic treatment window from 3 to 4.5 hours

Overview

Cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) are one of the main causes of permanent disability and the third most common cause of death in the Czech Republic. The incidence and prevalence of CVA is relatively high and more recently it has an increasing tendency both in seniors and in people in productive age. There are approximately 35 000 attacks each year in the Czech Republic. One third of individuals dies within one year of an attack, one third survives with permanent or severe after-effects, and only one third survives without serious damage. CVA are the most common cause of disability in elderly patients. Therefore, treatment is aimed not only at a reduction of mortality but also at maintenance of patient’s self-sufficiency. The treatment of CVA is always individual. Therapy is selected based on the cause and type of CVA, and from associated extracerebral indicators:

– age,

– health state,

– scheme of therapeutical procedures,

– clinical neurological symptomatology,

– applied imaging methods (CT, MR, USG of carotid arteries, etc.).

All types of CVA are considered an emergency condition. Consequently, pre–hospital emergency care is regarded as an irreplaceable and integral part of treatment.

Key words:
cerebral vascular accidents, thrombolysis, ECASS 3 study.