Stroke

What is a stroke?

Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disorder, resulting in damaging of brain tissue.

There are two forms of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: occlusion of the artery by thrombosis
• Hemorrhagic stroke: cerebral hemorrhage

Ischemic is the most frequent (87%) form of stroke.

During a stroke, 2 million neurons die every 1 minute, which increases the risk of permanent brain damage, disability, and death. 

Is it possible to treat a stroke?

Thrombolysis is a modern method of treatment of ischemic stroke, which can destroy the thrombus in the blood vessels, restore the blood circulation and prevent the brain tissue damage. Thrombolysis is an urgent medical procedure and implies intravenous injection - thrombolytic drug transfusions, by which the blood clots in the arteries arising causing ischemic stroke are dissolved.

Diagnosis and treatment of stroke are more effective in a specialized stroke center than in the general therapeutic department. In the stroke center, the patient is treated with a multi-profile and highly qualified team - neurologist, cardiologist, physiotherapist, ergotherapist and speech therapist.

Rapid action reduces damage!

Rapid action = less damage to the brain tissue!

In case of rapid transfer of the patient to the stroke center, it may be possible to provide timely treatment, which reduces the risk of serious damage to the brain tissue and the disability. Conducting of the treatment procedure (thrombolysis) is required during the first 3 hours.

Remember the following signs of stroke (FAST)

• Face dropping - the face is pulled down on one side? Can he/she smile?
• Arm weakness - can he/she raise and maintain both hands?
• Speech disorder - distorted speech or he/she has difficulty in speaking?
• Time to call 112!

Rapid action is vital for saving the patient!

If you have noticed the signs of stroke, call 112 and before the emergency assistance arrives:

• Straighten the patient head and chin
• Keep his/her breathing under control
• Keep his/her heartbeat under control
• Keep the response - the sound, the pain
• Take excessive clothes off

Stroke can be prevented!

To reduce the risk of stroke, it is desirable:

• Regulate the blood pressure
• Control the cholesterol content in the blood
• Stop smoking
• Stop drinking of alcohol
• Eat a healthy food
• Practice regularly
• Control body weight
• Avoid stressful condition