Expert opinion on stroke management: An Indian observational study

Abstract

: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The burden in India has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few decades. India with its culturally diverse environment and economically developing status presents unique challenges in stroke management. This study is an initiative designed to gain a better understanding of stroke prevalence and therapy in India. : A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among Indian Cardiologists was conducted. A convenient sampling method was used. About 34% of doctors said that acute stroke is most prevalent in the age group of 41- 50 years in their clinical setup. The study results also highlight that piracetam 800mg is the preferred effective option for age-related cognitive disorders. Some of them preferred Piracetam for vertigo of mixed origin, vestibular, and other associated disorders of vertiginous attacks. 51% of doctors observed that vertigo is diagnosed more frequently among both genders, more common in the age group of 21-30 years. 93% of doctors agreed that piracetam improves cognitive improvement post-surgery. Three-fourths of doctors who participated in the survey rated 45% of doctors prescribed the combination of piracetam and citicoline in post-stroke recovery patients. Also, 40% of them prescribed neuroprotective agents to 51-70% of stroke patients. This study demonstrated that the stroke prevalence rate is high among patients above 40 years of age. Piracetam 800 mg is commonly prescribed to most of the stroke patients. Half of the respondents felt that there was a significant improvement in cognitive decline with piracetam. This study's findings highlight that piracetam is an effective option for age-related cognitive disorders.