Brynhildur Thors¹

Vilhjálmur Vilmarsson²

¹Department of Neurologi, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, ²Department of interventional radiology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavík.

Correspondence: Brynhildur Thors, brynhildur.thors@regionstockholm.se

Key words: ischemic stroke, thrombolysis, thrombectomy, stroke unit, neurology department.

Here we will briefly review the main influential factors and milestones in the history of stroke care in Iceland. Over the last few decades the treatment of ischemic stroke has revolutionized in many ways and so has the general mindset of those providing it. This review article is partly based upon interviews with Icelandic doctors that partook in the development.

Looking back at this history it is clear that, in many ways, the medical care in Iceland was at the forefront in implementing those emerging new treatments in stroke care. This is mainly on account of ambitious and hard working individuals that were not easily dissuaded but firmly believed in the possibility of better outcomes for their stroke patients.