29 October – World Stroke Day

Today, 29 October, is World Stroke Day. A stroke is a life-threatening condition caused by a sudden disruption of blood circulation in the brain. Early intervention is of great importance in preventing serious complications and saving lives.

Currently, there are 7,100 persons with disabilities across the country due to cerebrovascular disorders.

Examination and treatment services for individuals suspected of having a stroke are also covered under the Compulsory Health Insurance Services Package.

These services include specialist physician examinations; brain CT scans to determine whether bleeding has occurred; MRI scans to assess the extent of brain tissue damage more accurately; angiography to detect blockages in cerebral blood vessels; ECG and cardiac examinations; and laboratory tests to measure blood glucose, clotting, electrolytes and other indicators. All these services are provided under compulsory health insurance.

Depending on the severity of the condition, inpatient hospitalisation is prescribed when necessary. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services following hospitalisation are also provided under compulsory health insurance.

These services are provided, based on medical indications and a physician’s referral, at public medical institutions where compulsory health insurance is implemented, by the State Health Insurance and Expertise Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population.

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart rhythm disorders, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity increase the risk of stroke. Controlling these risk factors plays an important role in stroke prevention.