[Stroke in the clinical practice of a therapist].

The stroke resulting in serious neurologic deficit is the third most frequent cause of death and loss of working ability. In 60-65% of the cases, it is provoked by atherothrombosis located in aortic arch, common and internal carotid arteries. Thromboembolism of cerebral vessels originating in heart cavities is responsible for 15-18% of the cases. Stroke prevention is an interdisciplinary problem encountered not only by neurologists but also by many other physicians. A major preventive tool for the stroke is healthy lifestyle while therapy with antithrombotic drugs (antiaggregants, oral anticoagulants) is the main component of secondary prevention. The choice of therapy depends on the cause and degree of stroke.