Clinical Study of Risk Factors, Pattern of Clinical Presentation and Correlation with Imaging in Acute Stroke

Background: Stroke, a significant cause of mortality globally and particularly in India, has a reported prevalence of 471.58 per lakh population based on Indian studies. This study was initiated to understand the prevalent risk factors and common patterns of clinical presentation in stroke cases. Aims and Objectives: The study seeks to identify the most frequent risk factors, determine the prevailing patterns of clinical presentation, and correlate the clinically identified stroke type with the imaging modality at VIMS, Ballari. Materials and Methods: A Descriptive Observational Study was conducted at VIMS, Ballari, encompassing a sample size of 110 cases. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated based on a proforma explicitly designed for the study. Results: Our study population of 110 cases revealed that the incidence of stroke increases with age and is more prevalent in males. Cerebral ischemia was more common than hemorrhage. Hypertension emerged as the most significant risk factor for stroke, followed by dyslipidemia and smoking. Hemiplegia was the most common clinical manifestation, trailed by speech abnormality and facial palsy. Parietal lobe was predominantly affected in ischemic stroke and thalamus in hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemia was the most common stroke type, and anterior circulation was the frequently affected vascular territory clinically, correlating with the chosen imaging modality. Conclusion: The study concluded that stroke incidence peaks between 51 to 60 years of age, with males being more susceptible. Ischemia is the most prevalent stroke type, and hypertension is the leading risk factor. Hemiplegia is the foremost clinical presentation. In ischemic stroke, the parietal lobe is commonly affected, and the thalamus is the primary region impacted in hemorrhagic stroke. Anterior circulation is the predominant vascular territory affected overall