The Stroke Service is staffed and provided by expert stroke doctors and nurses who are experts in the care for complex clinical neurological problems including ischemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, and other cerebrovascular diseases. Patients who are admitted to the in-patient Stroke Service can be treated at the specialized Stroke Unit. Intravenous fibrinolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator can be given within the first 3 to 4.5 hours of ischemic stroke onset.
Patients admitted to the in-patient stroke service are provided with state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, all aimed at establishing the underlying cause of the stroke, a key to secondary prevention and management of the complications of stroke. We do this using a multidisciplinary approach.
Neuroimaging is very important for defining anatomy and physiology of cerebrovascular disorders by MRI (diffusion images, perfusion images, and angiography). Also CT, Perfusion CT, CT angiography and selective angiography can all be done in Memfys Hospital.
There is also a Neuro-intensive Care Unit that provides care to patients who are critically ill. Such treatments and services include the support of other organ systems, including pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal support and others through drugs and other specialized machines. The Neuro-intensive Care Unit is staffed by specialists in critical care.
A strong focus for stroke patients, both in- and out-patient service, is prevention of future strokes. The hospital lays emphasis on secondary prevention and stroke risk factor management as well as provide close follow-up after a stroke. We strive to provide early rehabilitation for stroke patients. There is comprehensive evaluation by our team of specialists that includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, physiotherapists and cardiologists coordinated through the neurologist.
The symptoms of stroke are usually sudden. During a stroke, every minute counts. Fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that stroke can cause. The signs are:
If you believe someone is having a stroke – you need to think FAST because “time is brain” – there is a short period of time after the symptoms start, when serious damage can be prevented. Ask the person some questions using the BEFAST acronym.
BALANCE - Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
EYES - Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?
FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARM - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or not move?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Are they unable to speak?
TIME: The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the patient will recover.
Note the exact time the symptoms started if possible; or when the person was last known to be normal and tell the medical team. If you see even one or more of these signs, take the person to the nearest clinic where there is neurological facility and the possibility of doing brain scan as soon as you can and best within three hours. If the person is taking any drugs, take these drugs along with you when taking the person to the clinic. Time saves brain, and fast action saves thousands of lives and prevents disability.
