Burden of Stroke in Myanmar

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Myanmar, affecting 1.5% of adults aged 40-99.
• The country faces a high stroke mortality rate (165.4/100,000) and disability burden (2971.3/100,000 DALYs).
• Neurological conditions, primarily stroke, constitute 20% of the national healthcare workload.

Discussion:

• Myanmar has only 10 stroke units, indicating a critical shortage of specialized stroke care facilities.
• While hypertension awareness for prevention and physiotherapy are recognized, outdated acute stroke treatments like aggressive blood pressure lowering, steroids, and neuroprotectants persist, especially in rural areas.
• Antiplatelet use is limited, and advanced treatments like mechanical thrombectomy are unavailable, with thrombolysis restricted to tertiary centers.

Key Insights:

• Significant gap exists between current stroke management practices and evidence-based guidelines in Myanmar.
• Inadequate infrastructure and limited access to advanced therapies contribute to poor stroke outcomes.
• There is a need for updated clinical protocols and improved healthcare resources for stroke care.

Outlook:

• Implementing evidence-based stroke protocols and expanding access to advanced treatments are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Investing in stroke unit development and healthcare professional training can enhance stroke prevention and management.
• Addressing disparities in care between urban and rural areas is essential for comprehensive stroke control.