Neuroendovascular Interventions and Stroke Care in Tajikistan: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Capacity, Systemic Challenges, and Regional Implications

This article evaluates the current state of stroke management and neuroendovascular services in Tajikistan, identifying key barriers, recent advancements, and strategies for improvement within a regional context. This narrative review integrates data from peer-reviewed publications, international health repositories (Global Burden of Disease, World Health Organization, World Bank), Tajik governmental policies, and Central Asian health analyses. Sources were chosen for relevance to stroke epidemiology, health care infrastructure, neuroendovascular capabilities, and policy environments. Tajikistan experiences a high stroke incidence and mortality, primarily attributable to uncontrolled hypertension, environmental pollutants, and suboptimal dietary patterns. Health care limitations encompass prolonged prehospital response times, restricted diagnostic imaging, personnel deficiencies, and nascent rehabilitation frameworks. Neuroendovascular procedures commenced in 2025 with a single case of initial aneurysm embolization and stroke mechanical thrombectomy, thus far, at a single facility in Dushanbe. National initiatives prioritize noncommunicable disease mitigation and primary health care enhancement, while cross-border collaborations and telemedicine present viable options for capacity expansion. Although Tajikistan's stroke and neuroendovascular sectors are underdeveloped, targeted enhancements in education, equipment, emergency protocols, and global alliances could substantially improve patient outcomes. These insights may also apply to neighboring Central Asian nations.