Doha: When someone has a stroke, every second that passes is crucial so this World Stroke Day 2021, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) experts are highlighting the importance of acting fast to identify the symptoms.
A stroke comes on when your brain doesn't get the blood and oxygen it needs. That could be due to a clot, known as an ischemic stroke. Or it can happen with a burst blood vessel, as with a hemorrhagic stroke. Once a stroke begins, you lose almost two million brain cells every minute.
“Every two seconds, someone in the world is having a stroke and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and the third leading cause of disability. Globally, one in eight deaths is caused by stroke,” said Dr Ahmad Muhammad. Consultant Stroke Physician, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital.
“Due to the high prevalence of many risk factors for stroke – including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and inactivity – the incidence of stroke is high. However, the good news is that more people than ever before are surviving stroke.”
Dr Ahmad Muhammad emphasized the speed at which treatment can be given to stroke patients is of the highest importance. Last year, our dedicated Stroke Service has treated more than 2200 patients.
“The more time that passes between the stroke happening and medical intervention, the greater the damage that can be done. The term ‘time is brain’ is frequently used to emphasize the need for fast intervention, as the faster treatment can be given following a stroke, the better the chances of recovery. If you suspect that you, or someone around you, has suffered a stroke, call 999 immediately so emergency care teams can respond, and treatment can be given as soon as possible,” said Dr Muhammad.
World Stroke Day is marked globally on 29 October each year and the 2021 theme is “Minutes Saves Lives”. How to respond when you think someone is having a stroke can be remembered by the acronym FAST - Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call 999.
“Identifying and reacting to stroke symptoms quickly is crucial to achieving proper treatment for an individual experiencing a stroke,” Dr. Ayman Zakaria, Senior Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist at HMC said “The treatment options for stroke patients have improved enormously due to the services and technology available at HMC. This includes a dedicated Stroke ward and a state-of the-art Neuroangiography Suite.
“We have a standard of care and acute stroke treatment in the country, which only a few hospitals have in the region. We are seeing increasing numbers of stroke patients and we have worked hard to ensure we provide them with the very best care possible.”
