Abstract:

Stroke remains one of the most significant health challenges facing Europe and continues to be a leading cause of death, long-term disability and healthcare expenditure. While substantial progress has been achieved over the past two decades through advances in prevention, acute treatment, stroke unit care and rehabilitation, the burden of stroke remains considerable.More than one million Europeans experience a stroke each year, and demographic changes are expected to increase the number of stroke survivors significantly in the coming decades.

Recent updates to the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) have highlighted both the achievements and shortcomings of contemporary stroke care. Access to evidence-based treatments such as intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy has improved substantially across many countries; however, considerable inequalities remain regarding prevention strategies, emergency stroke services, rehabilitation provision, and long-term support. 2, 8 Furthermore, growing recognition of cognitive impairment, fatigue, mental health complications and return-to-work challenges has shifted attention towards life after stroke as an increasingly important component of comprehensive care.

This article reviews the current burden of stroke in Europe, examines major risk factors driving disease incidence, explores recent advances in acute management and discusses the evolving priorities shaping European stroke policy. Particular attention is given to health inequalities, stroke in younger adults, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation innovation and the goals of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe 2030. Continued investment in prevention, rapid treatment pathways, rehabilitation services and long-term support will be essential if Europe is to reduce the burden of stroke over the coming decade.1, 2

Keywords:

STROKE; EUROPE; CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE; STROKE PREVENTION; MECHANICAL THROMBECTOMY; <br /> REHABILITATION; STROKE ACTION PLAN FOR EUROPE; ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE; ISCHAEMIC STROKE; PUBLIC <br /> HEALTH