Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT) for NonInvasive Whole-Brain Imaging of Ischemic Stroke
06:45

Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT) for NonInvasive Whole-Brain Imaging of Ischemic Stroke

Published on: June 2, 2023

Ischemic stroke subtypes in Pakistan: the Aga Khan University Stroke Data Bank

N A Syed1, B A Khealani, S Ali

  • 1Neurology Section, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|February 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Lacunar stroke is the most common ischemic stroke subtype in Pakistan, often linked to uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Cardioembolic strokes were less frequent in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Stroke subtype frequency varies significantly across ethnic and geographic populations.
  • Understanding local stroke patterns is crucial for targeted healthcare interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the prevalence of different stroke subtypes.
  • To determine the factors influencing stroke subtypes at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted over 22 months at The Aga Khan University Hospital.
  • Data from 596 admitted patients were analyzed, focusing on stroke subtypes using the TOAST criteria.

Main Results:

  • Ischemic stroke accounted for 393 cases. Lacunar stroke was the most prevalent subtype (42.7%), followed by large artery atherosclerosis (26.9%).
  • Cardioembolic stroke was infrequent (6.1%), while 20.3% were of undetermined cause.
  • A high incidence of lacunar strokes suggests a significant impact of uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Lacunar stroke is the predominant subtype in this Pakistani population.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension is strongly implicated as a primary determinant for the high rate of lacunar strokes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo06:38

The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo

Published on: December 19, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...