Stroke Prevention and Treatment: Current State and Future Perspective

Stroke is a severe public health concern that results in the loss of life and has an adverse socioeconomic impact worldwide. The incidence of stroke has skyrocketed in recent decades, and experts anticipate this trend to continue, particularly in developing nations. Stroke risk can be reduced by many lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining blood pressure, taking antiplatelet medication, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a nutrient-rich diet (including folic acid and vitamin B complex supplements). Antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel, aggrenox, and aspirin have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing non-cardioembolic strokes by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, whereas anticoagulants such as warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban are commonly used to prevent cardioembolic strokes. This chapter delves into the recent developments in the field of acute stroke treatment, focusing on the importance of swift care, including thrombolytic therapy, carotid endarterectomy, and endovascular procedures. Prehospital stroke triage (PST) detects and prioritises patients for rapid medical care, and mobile apps like PRESTRO and Destroke offer promising options for stroke care. Stroke survivors can greatly benefit from occupational therapy and rehabilitation treatment as part of their path to recovery and enhanced ability to perform regular tasks. This book chapter basically gives a full look at how to prevent and treat strokes right now, as well as how things might get better in the future and why it’s important to take a unified approach to deal with this worldwide public health issue.