CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF STROKE PATIENTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR PLANNING MEDICAL REHABILITATION FOR POST-STROKE DYSPHAGIA

Relevance. Swallowing disorders after stroke are a significant problem in medical rehabilitation. Differences in the localization of the cerebral lesion, the severity of neurological deficits, and comorbid conditions necessitate the individualized planning of rehabilitation measures. Aim of the research. To study the clinical and demographic profile of the stroke patients and to identify the characteristics relevant to the organisation of assessment and medical re­habilitation for patients at risk of post-stroke dysphagia. Materials and methods. A retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out of anonymised records for 120 patients from the register for the period 2024–2026. Age, sex, stroke type, the reported location of the cerebral lesion and specific clinical characteristics were examined. Descriptive sta­tistical methods were used. Results. The average age of the patients was 58.73 ± 6.40 years. There were 84 males (70.0%) and 36 females (30.0%). Ischaemic stroke was diagnosed in 70 (58.3%) patients, and haemorrhagic stroke in 50 (41.7%). Hemispheric localisation of the lesion was recorded in 95 (79.2%) patients; lesions of the ventricular system were recorded in 14 (11.7%), of the cerebellum in 7 (5.8%), and of the brainstem in 4 (3.3%). Conclusion. Analysis of the clinical register has enabled us to characterise the composition of the study sample and to identify groups re­quiring particular attention when planning screening for swallowing disorders. In order to determine the prevalence of dysphagia and evaluate its association with clinical characteristics, the registry needs to be supplemented with standardised results from swallowing function assessments.