Polish neurologists call for integrated stroke care system

Neurologists from the Polish Neurological Society are calling for the urgent implementation of an integrated stroke care system to ensure continuity of treatment. Approximately 90,000 strokes occur in Poland annually, and experts note that the disease is increasingly affecting younger populations, with about 30 percent of patients under the age of 65.

The proposed system aims to cover the entire spectrum of care, including prevention, emergency medical services, modern therapies, rehabilitation, and long-term care to prevent recurrences. Currently, more than ten percent of patients discharged from stroke centers experience a subsequent incident within six months.

Experts emphasize that the lack of sufficient access to rehabilitation and specialized post-hospitalization care leads to high rates of permanent disability and death. Beyond physical limitations, patients often face emotional and cognitive challenges, creating significant social and economic burdens due to lost professional activity and the need for long-term support.