In recognition of World Stroke Day 2021, experts at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) are reminding the public about the importance of acting fast to identify the symptoms of a stroke.

Quick action can prove to be life-saving when it comes to a stroke as every second that goes by is critical.

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, HMC highlighted in a press statement.

Consultant Stroke Physician, Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Dr Ahmad Muhammad said, “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.”

“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,” he added.

The speed at which treatment can be given to stroke patients is paramount, Dr Muhammad stressed.

In 2020, HMC’s dedicated Stroke Service 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,” Dr Muhammad emphasized.

World Stroke Day is marked around the world on October 29 each year. The theme for this year was “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,” he added.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial

Cover Image Credit and Source: HMC