In brief

• Poland records close to 90,000 strokes a year.
• More than 10 percent of patients discharged from stroke units have another stroke within six months.
• Neurologists are calling for an integrated stroke care system covering prevention through long-term care.
• The country had 189 stroke units and about 40 thrombectomy centres at the end of 2025.

Around 90,000 strokes a year

Poland records close to 90,000 strokes each year, according to specialists from the Polish Neurological Society (PTN). Stroke remains one of the main causes of death and the most common cause of permanent disability among adults. Roughly 30 percent of patients admitted to stroke units are under 65 (Co roku 90 tys. udarów mózgu w Polsce – mp.pl), a sign that the condition increasingly affects people of working age (Co dziesiąty pacjent po udarze ma nawrót w ciągu pół roku. Neurolodzy wskazują największe problemy systemu - wiadomości Medycyna i Zdrowie – politykazdrowotna.com).

Relapses within six months

More than 10 percent of patients discharged from a stroke unit suffer another incident within six months (Do 90 tys. udarów mózgu w Polsce rocznie. Eksperci apelują o zintegrowaną opiekę – rynekzdrowia.pl). Neurologists point to this as the clearest sign that care does not continue smoothly once the acute phase ends.

What specialists want changed

The PTN is asking for an integrated stroke care system that would keep patients under continuous treatment. It would cover prevention, emergency medical services, modern therapies, rehabilitation, relapse prevention and long-term care. The framework has already been prepared by the national consultant and the PTN's vascular diseases section. Experts also say people need to be taught to recognise early symptoms and react quickly.

Capacity and treatment targets

At the end of 2025 Poland had 189 stroke units and about 40 centres performing mechanical thrombectomy. The goal is for 25 percent of patients with ischaemic stroke to receive thrombolysis and 10 percent to receive mechanical thrombectomy.

The experts issued their appeal ahead of World Stroke Day on 29 October.