Stroke patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital: Stroke presenting to emergency

Introduction: Stroke is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. It is the 3rd most common cause of death worldwide. In Nepal, among Non-communicable diseases, stroke accounts for nearly half of all deaths and is increasing.   Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study of all stroke patients seen in Patan Hospital Emergency Department for a period of 1 y. Demographic data, presenting complaint, time of onset of symptoms, time presenting to the Emergency, patient’s risk factors for stroke, head CT findings (hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke) were analyzed descriptively. Ethical approval was taken.   Result: Total 170 patients (96 males i.e.56.5% and 74 females i.e. 43.5%) were analyzed. 130(76.5%) were ischemic and 40(23.5%) were hemorrhagic stroke. The most common presenting symptom was hemiparesis and speech changes.   Conclusion: Stroke is a common disease seen in Nepal, with higher percentages of hemorrhagic stroke.