Neuroscience in Acute Stroke Treatment: Current Strategies and Emerging Therapies in Pakistan

Objective: To discuss the current strategies and emerging therapies in treating acute stroke in Pakistan. Explores how personal beliefs influence health behavior and decision-making. Materials & Methods: The present qualitative study of neuroscience in acute stroke treatment was carried out at the Department of Neurology at Aziz Fatimah Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad. The theoretical concepts of the Health Belief Model (HBM) apply to explore how personal beliefs influence health behavior and decision-making in acute stroke treatment, strategies, and emerging therapies. All acute stroke patients of the Department of Neurology from June 2023 to June 2024 were interviewed for thematic analysis. Interviews were transcribed on MS Word, and then they were coded using software called QDA Miner Lite. Results: The study found intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, stroke units, and tele-stroke services, which could gradually be made a part of the healthcare infrastructure. Improvement in stroke management is expected with emerging therapies like neuroprotective agents and stem cell therapy also helpful for acute stroke treatment. The study found major problems in awareness and accessibility of acute stroke treatment, current strategies, and emerging therapies. Conclusion: The study revealed that stroke care optimization in Pakistan reduces the burden of disabilities and mortality related to stroke. Although most significant urban centers offer advanced care for stroke patients, accessibility to their services is still not present for those residing in remote and rural areas.