PHARMACOLOGIC INTERVENTIONS FOR STROKE IN CRITICAL CARE SETTINGS: EVIDENCE FROM COCODY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly known as a stroke, is a medical emergency characterized by a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to neurological damage. The onset of a stroke can be either ischemic, resulting from a blockage in a cerebral artery, or hemorrhagic, caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Without prompt treatment, a stroke can lead to severe consequences, including death or irreversible disability. In industrialized nations, stroke ranks as the third leading cause of mortality and the primary cause of physical impairment. Additionally, it can precipitate cardiovascular and respiratory complications, seizures, and sleep disturbances. This critical health issue is particularly significant in developing countries like Côte d'Ivoire, where stroke accounts for approximately 45% of hospitalizations in neurology departments in Abidjan. Studies conducted at the Abidjan Cardiology Institute (ICA) estimate a stroke prevalence of around 4%. Urgent attention and effective interventions are essential to address the burden of stroke in such settings and prevent its devastating consequences