United Arab Emirates: How timely action can save the lives of residents; Stroke symptoms, causes explained – News

80 percent of strokes can be prevented, despite being the second cause of death worldwide.

Strokes are a serious health problem and a major contributor to death and disability worldwide, but according to an Abu Dhabi medical expert, timely action can save lives.

According to the World Health Organization, a quarter of people are at risk of suffering a stroke and its incidence is increasing worldwide.

Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and obesity are the main risk factors for stroke. Some habits also independently raise stroke risk, such as smoking and excessive consumption of energy drinks. Lifestyle changes are essential to reduce risk, even in the presence of non-modifiable risk factors such as advanced age and genetic predisposition.

Although strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading cause of disability, there is hope in the fact that 80 percent of them can be prevented. Timely action also saves lives, so it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Dr. Victoria Mifsud, a physician at the Neurological Institute of the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), highlighted the importance of acting promptly.

“Stroke victims lose up to 2 million brain cells per minute. But we do have access to treatments (including medications and interventions) that help reduce debilitating impacts when timely action is taken. This is why we urge the community to be aware of the symptoms of stroke and seek immediate medical attention at the onset of stroke,” Dr Mifsud said ahead of World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29.

CCAD is one of two facilities designated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health as the emirate’s official stroke centre.

Symptoms to look out for

A simple acronym, BEFAST, summarizes the symptoms to watch for: balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and timing.

Balance: Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

Eyes: Does the person have difficulty concentrating or have double vision?

Face: Is the person able to smile fully? Does your face fall to one side?

Arms: Can the person raise both arms or lower one?

Speech: Can the person speak? Is your speech confusing or strange?

Time: Time is of the essence. Call 999 immediately if you see any of these signs.

80% of strokes are ischemic

It is also important to note that symptoms may differ for women and are often more subtle. A sudden, unexplained loss of function that manifests as fatigue, confusion, general weakness, nausea, severe headache, and vomiting could indicate a stroke.

Hormonal changes such as menopause, pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and use of some birth control pills can increase the risk of stroke in women. Being aware of this can help people around you watch for warning signs. In all cases, it is important to get the victim quickly to a medical facility for treatment.

To raise awareness about the risks and symptoms of stroke and urge the community to stay ahead, Dr. Mifsud stressed: “Up to 80 percent of strokes are ischemic, meaning blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot. . If the patient arrives within four hours of the onset of the stroke, we can give them an anticoagulant medication to remove the blood clot and restore blood flow, thus preventing the death of more brain cells. For some people, a procedure that uses a catheter to break up the clot may be necessary, and this must be done within 24 hours of symptoms appearing.”

For hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel bursts, blood pressure control is key and doctors may administer medications or opt for surgery to reduce pressure on the brain.

In severe cases, CCAD adopts a leading innovation, ARTIS Icono, which is the most advanced stroke intervention system in the region. It incorporates 2D and 3D imaging with artificial intelligence and offers benefits such as unparalleled image quality, real-time reconstruction management, time savings and reduced radiation exposure for the patient.

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